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COLLECTIONS

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

VOL. IV.
OF THE FOURTH SERIES

PUBLISHED AT THE CHAKGB OF THE APPLETON FUND.

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED FOR THE SOCIETY,

BY LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY

1858.

CONTEN T S .

1169692

Acts of Incorporation of the Massachusetts Historical Society,
By-Laws adopted October, 1857, .....
Officers of the Society, elected April, 1857,
Resident Members, in the Order of their Election,
Honorary and Corresponding Members, ....

xxi

xxii

Correspondence in 1774 and 1775 between a Committee of the Town
of Boston and Contributors of Donations for the Relief of Sufferers
by the Boston Port Bill, 1

A Narrative of the Planting of the Massachusetts Colony hi 1628.
Published by Old Planters, the Authors of the Old Men's Tears, . 279

The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts. By Emory Washburn, . 333

Letters of Thomas Gushing, from 1767 to 1775, . . . .347

Queries of George Chalmers, with the Answers of General Gage, in
relation to Braddock's Expedition, the Stamp Act, and Gage's
Administration of the Government of Massachusetts Bay, . .367

Destruction of the Tea in the Harbor of Boston, December 16, 1773, . 373

Letter from Samuel Adams to James Warren, ..... 390

Letter from Joseph Hawley to. Thomas Cushing, .... 393

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis, 398

Notice of the Sieur D'Aulnay, of Acadie. By William Jenks, . . 462

Petition of Roger Williams to the General Court of Massachusetts, . 471

A Declaration of the Affairs of the English People that first inhabited
New England. By Phinehas Pratt, . . . . . .474

Phinehas Pratt's Petition of 1668,

Phinehas Pratt's Relation. By Increase Mather,

Memoir of Nathaniel Morton Davis,

Memoir of Abbott Lawrence, ....

Memoir of William Parsons Lunt, . .

487
488
492
495
508

COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

RICHARD FROTIIINGHAM, Jr.
THOMAS ASPINWALL.
GEORGE LIVERMORE.
LORENZO SABINE.

THE

A C T F I N C 11 P R A T ION,

W I T II T II E ADDITIONA L A C T S

B Y - L A W S

MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

LIST OF THE MEMBERS.

October Meeting, 1857. — A Committee, consisting of Messrs. Bobbins,
Hillard, Livermore, Chandler, and Deane, appointed to revise the
By-Laws of the Society, reported the same in print this day. The Keport,
as presented, was accepted and adopted.

Attest: CHANDLER BOBBINS,

Recording Secretary.

MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

A C T F I N C () 11 P 11 A T I N

(Commontorulth of |ttassacbiisctts.

In the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-four.

An Act to incorporate a Society, by the name of the Massachusetts
Historical Society.

Whereas the collection and preservation of materials for a political and
natural history of the United States is a desirable object, and the institution
of a Society for those purposes will be of public utility, —

Be it therefore enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General
Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That William Baylies, Esq.,
Jeremy Belknap, D. D., the Rev. Alden Bradford, Peleg Coffin, Esq., Manassch
Cutler, D. D., John Davis, Esq., Daniel Davis, Esq., Aaron Dexter, Doctor in
Physic, the Rev. John Eliot, Nathaniel Freeman, Esq., the Rev. James Freeman,
the Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, Isaac Lothrop, Esq., George Richards Minot,
Esq., the Rev. John Mellon, Jan., Thomas Pemberton, William Dandridge Peck,
the Rev. John Prince, Ezekiel Price, Esq., James Sullivan, Esq., David Sewall,
Esq., Peter Thacher, D. D., William Tudor, Esq., Samuel Turell, Dudley Atkins
Tyng, Esq., James Winthrop, Esq., Thomas Wallcut, Redford Webster, and
William Wetmore, Esq., who have associated for the purposes aforesaid, and
have requested an Act of Incorporation, be, and hereby are, formed into and con-
stituted a Society and body politic and corporate, by the name of the Massachu-
setts Historical Society ; and that they and their successors, and such other
persons as shall be legally elected by them, shall be and continue a body politic
and corporate, by that name forever.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the members of said
Society shall have power to elect a President, and all other necessary officers ;
and that the said Society shall have one common seal, and the same may break,
change, and renew at pleasure ; and that the same Society, by the name afore-
said, as a body politic and corporate, may sue and be sued, prosecute and defend
suits to final judgment and execution.

And be it further enacted, That the said Society shall have power to make
orders and by-laws for governing its members and property, not repugnant to the
laws of this Commonwealth ; and may expel, disfranchise, or suspend any mem-
ber, who, by his misconduct, shall be rendered unworthy.

And be it further enacted, That the said Society may, from time to time, estab-
lish rules for electing officers and members, and also times and places for hold-
ing meetings ; and shall be capable to take and hold real or personal estate, by

Vlll

gift, grant, devise, or otherwise, and the same, or any part thereof, to alien and
convey : Provided, That the annual income of any real estate, by said Society
holden, shall never exceed the sum of five hundred pounds ; and that the per-
sonal estate thereof, besides books, papers, and articles in the Museum of said
Society, shall never exceed the value of two thousand pounds.

And be it further enacted, That the members of said Society shall never be
more than sixty (except honorary members, residing without the limits of this
Commonwealth), and that James Sullivan, Esq., be, and hereby is, authorized and
empowered to notify and warn the first meeting of said Society ; and that the
same Society, when met, shall agree upon a method for calling future meetings,
and may have power to adjourn from time to time, as may be found necessary.

And be it further enacted, That either branch of the Legislature shall and may
have free access to the Library and Museum of said Society.
[This Act passed Feb. 19, 1794.]

Commonbealtl) of JJtassadntsctts.

In the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-Jive.

An Act in addition to an Act to incorporate the Massachusetts Histor-
ical Society.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court
assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : —

Sect. 1. — The Massachusetts Historical Society is hereby authorized to hold
real and personal estate, in addition to its Library, to an amount not exceeding
one hundred thousand dollars.

Sect. 2. — This Act shall take effect from and after its passage.
[This Act passed May 19, 1855.]

Commonfocaltlj of ||Tus$ittbttS£tis.

In the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty- seven.

An Act in relation to the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court
assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : —

Sect. 1. — Nothing in the Act of Incorporation of the Massachusetts Histo-
rical Society shall prevent said Society from electing Associate or Corresponding
Members residing without the limits of this Commonwealth, or Honorary Mem-
bers residing either within or without said limits, or from having as many as one
hundred Resident Members, at their discretion.

Sect. 2. — This Act shall take effect from and after its acceptance by said
Society.

[This Act passed April h 1857.]

BY-LAWS.

CHAPTER I.

OF MEMBERS.

Article 1. — The Regular or Resident Members of the Society
shall be elected from among the citizens of this Commonwealth, and
shall cease to be members whenever they cease to be citizens. The
Associate or Corresponding Members shall be elected from among
those persons who are not citizens of this Commonwealth, and shall
cease to be members if at any time they become citizens. Honorary
members may be elected at large.

Art. 2. — A book shall be kept by the Recording Secretary, in
which any Resident Member of the Society may enter the name of
any person whom he may regard as suitable to be nominated as a Res-
ident, Corresponding, or Honorary Member ; it being understood that
each member is bound in honor not to make known abroad the name
of any person so proposed. But no nomination of any member shall
be made except by a report of the Standing Committee at a stated
meeting, nor be acted upon at the same meeting to which it is re-
ported ; nor shall more than two candidates for membership, of the
same class, be reported at any one meeting.

Art. 3. — Nominations of Corresponding or Honorary Members
shall be accompanied by a brief statement, in writing, of the place of
residence and qualifications of the person nominated.

Art. 4. — All members shall be elected by ballot ; and, in balloting
for members, the law and custom of our forefathers shall be observed,
by taking the question with Indian com and beans ; the corn express-
ing yeas, and the beans nays. But no person shall be deemed chosen,
unless there be twenty members present at the election, nor unless
three-fourths of all the members present shall have voted affirma-
tively.

Vlll

And be it further enacted, That either branch of the Legislature shall and may
have free access to the Library and Museum of said Society.
[This Act passed Feb. 19, 1794.]

Commonfocaltjj of Passarijusctts.

In the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-five.

An Act in addition to an Act to incorporate the Massachusetts Histor-
ical Society.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court
assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : —

Sect. 1. — The Massachusetts Historical Society is hereby authorized to hold
real and personal estate, in addition to its Library, to an amount not exceeding
one hundred thousand dollars.

Sect. 2. — This Act shall take effect from and after its passage,
[This Act passed May 19, 1855.]

Commonfocattlj of Passadntsctis.

In the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty- seven.
An Act in relation to the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court
assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : —

Sect. 2. — This Act shall take effect from and after its acceptance by said
Society.

[This Act passed April h 1857,]

BY-LAWS.

CHAPTER I.

OF MEMBERS.

Art. 3. — Nominations of Corresponding or Honorary Members
shall be accompanied by a brief statement, in writing, of the place of
residence and qualifications of the person nominated.

Art. 4. — All members shall be elected by ballot ; and, in balloting
for members, the law and custom of our forefathers shall be observed,
by taking the question with Indian corn and beans ; the corn express-
ing yeas, and the beans nays. But no person shall be deemed chosen,
unless there be twenty members present at the election, nor unless
three-fourths of all the members present shall have voted affirma-
tively.

Art. 5. — Each Resident Member shall pay ten dollars at the time
of his admission, and five dollars annually afterwards, into the treas-
ury of the Society, for its general purposes ; but any member shall be
exempted from the annual payment, if, at any time after six months
from his admission, he shall pay into the treasury sixty dollars in addi-
tion to what he may before have paid.

Art. 6. — If any person elected as a Resident Member shall neglect,
for one year after being notified of his election, to pay his admission-
fee, his election shall be void ; and, if any Resident Member shall
neglect to pay his annual assessment for three years after it shall have
become due and have been demanded, he shall cease to be a member.
Each person who shall be elected a member shall, when notified of it,
be furnished by the Corresponding Secretary with an attested copy of
this Article and the preceding one ; and the Treasurer shall, as cases
may occur, report to the Society those persons who have neglected to
pay their admission-fee or their annual assessments, as above required.

Art. 7. — Diplomas signed by the President, and countersigned by
the two Secretaries, shall be issued to all persons who have become
members of the Society.

CHAPTER II.

OF MEETINGS.

Art. 1. — There shall be a Regular Meeting of the Society at noon,
on the second Thursday of every month, at their rooms in Boston ;
provided, however, that the Standing Committee shall have authority
to postpone any such monthly meeting for not exceeding two weeks,
or to direct it to be held at other rooms, whenever a day of public
observance shall happen on the second Thursday of any month ; or
whenever a different time or place shall, for any cause, be obviously
for the convenience of the members. Special meetings shall be called
by either of the Secretaries, whenever requested so to do by the Pres-
ident, or, in case of his absence or inability, by one of the Vice-Pres-
idents or by the Standing Committee.

Art. 2. — At all meetings, the President shall take the chair in five
minutes after the time appointed in the notification ; and the record of

le preceding meeting shall then be at once read. After which, at
all Special Meetings, the special business for which the meeting was

called shall be transacted ; and, at all Regular Meetings, the order of
business shall be as follows : —

The Librarian shall make a detailed report of whatever may have
been received bv him since the last meeting.

The Cabinet-keeper shall make a similar report.

The Corresponding Secretary shall read any communications he may
have received.

The unfinished business and the assignments of the last meeting
shall be announced by the Recording Secretary to the President, and
taken up in their order.

The Standing Committee shall be called on to report its doings since
the last meeting.

The other subsisting committees that may not have reported shall
be called on for reports.

The members who have any business to propose shall be desired by
the President to propose it.

The members generally shall then be invited, so far as time may
permit, to make any oral communications on any subject having rela-
tion to the objects of the Society ; and, for the orderly accomplishment
of this purpose, the Society shall be divided into three sections as
nearly equal in numbers as may be, each of which sections, in regular
sequence, shall be notified by the Recording Secretary, that the Soci-
ety, at the next following meeting, will desire to receive from it such
communications as are above suggested ; and the officer presiding at
the next meeting shall call upon each of the members of such section,
in his turn, to offer any such communication or propose any such sub-
ject ; after which, the communication so made, or the subject so pro-
posed, may be discussed by the Society generally. Provided, how-
ever, that, if the member proposing such subject prefer to do it in
writing, the Recording Secretary shall enter it in the Records of the
Society ; and it may be discussed either at the time when it is pro-
posed, or at any subsequent meeting.

Art. 3. — Fifteen members shall be a quorum for all purposes ex-
cept the election of members, as hereinbefore provided ; and except-
ing, also, alterations of the By-laws, which shall not be made unless
twenty persons are present, nor unless the subject has either been dis-

Xll

cussed at a previous meeting, or reported on by a committee appointed
for the purpose.

Art. 4. — At the request of any two members present, any subject
proposed for discussion shall be once deferred to a subsequent meet-
ing, before it is finally disposed of.

Art. 5. — All committees shall be nominated by the chair, unless
otherwise provided for.

CHAPTER III.

OF OFFICERS.

The officers of the Society shall be a President, who shall be, ex
officio, Chairman of the Standing Committee ; two Vice-Presidents ;
a Recording Secretary, who shall also be, ex officio. Secretary of the
Standing Committee ; a Corresponding Secretary ; a Treasurer ; a
Librarian ; a Cabinet-keeper ; and a Standing Committee of five, —
all of whom shall be chosen by ballot at the monthly meeting in April,
and shall hold their respective offices for one year, or until others are
duly chosen in their stead. But, at the regular monthly meeting pre-
ceding any election of officers, a Nominating Committee, consisting of
three persons, shall be appointed by the chair, who shall report to the
meeting at which the election is to be made a list of members for the
places to be filled ; no person being deemed eligible to more than one
of the regular offices of the Society at the same time, and no more
than three of the Standing Committee being deemed re-eligible.

CHAPTER IV.

OF THE PRESIDENT.

The President shall preside in all meetings of the Society when
present, and, when absent, one of the Vice-Presidents in the order of
their names. In the absence of all these officers, a President pro tem-
pore shall be chosen by hand-vote.

Xlll

CHAPTER V.

OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY.

Art. 1. — The Recording Secretary, or, in case of his death or
I absence, the Corresponding Secretary, shall warn all meetings of the
I Society, by causing to be sent, through the post-oftice, to all the Res-
ident Members, notices of each meeting. Notices of the regular
meetings shall be issued on the Monday preceding.

Art. 2. — He shall keep an exact record of all the meetings of the
Society, with the names of the members present ; entering in full all
reports of committees that may be accepted by the Society, unless
otherwise specially directed.
See Chap. VIII., Art. 6.

CHAPTER VI.

OF THE TREASURER.

Art. 1. — The Corresponding Secretary shall inform all persons of
their election as members of the Society, sending notice of the terms
of their election to those chosen to be Resident Members, and issuing
afterwards the proper diplomas.

Art. 2. — He shall carry on all the correspondence of the Society
not otherwise provided for ; and deposit copies of the letters sent and
the original letters received, in regular files, in the Library.

CHAPTER VII.

OF THE TREASURER.

Art. 1. — The Treasurer shall collect all moneys due to the Society,
and shall keep regular and faithful accounts of all the moneys and
funds of the Society that may come into his hands, and of all receipts
and expenditures connected with the same, — which accounts shall
always be open to the inspection of the members ; and, at the regular

Xll

cussed at a previous meeting, or reported on by a committee appointed
for the purpose.

Art. 4. — At the request of any two members present, any subject
proposed for discussion shall be once deferred to a subsequent meet-
ing, before it is finally disposed of.

Art. 5. — All committees shall be nominated by the chair, unless
otherwise provided for.

CHAPTER III.

OF OFFICERS.

The officers of the Society shall be a President, who shall be, ex
officio, Chairman of the Standing Committee ; two Vice-Presidents ;
a Recording Secretary, who shall also be, ex officio, Secretary of the
Standing Committee ; a Corresponding Secretary ; a Treasurer ; a
Librarian ; a Cabinet-keeper ; and a Standing Committee of five, —
all of whom shall be chosen by ballot at the monthly meeting in April,
and shall hold their respective offices for one year, or until others are
duly chosen in their stead. But, at the regular monthly meeting pre-
ceding any election of officers, a Nominating Committee, consisting of
three persons, shall be appointed by the chair, who shall report to the
meeting at which the election is to be made a list of members for the
places to be filled ; no person being deemed eligible to more than one
of the regular offices of the Society at the same time, and no more
than three of the Standing Committee being deemed re-eligible.

CHAPTER IV.

OF THE PRESIDENT.

XIII

CHAPTEE V.

OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY.

Art. 1. — The Recording Secretary, or, in case of his death or
absence, the Corresponding Secretary, shall warn all meetings of the
Society, by causing to be sent, through the post-oiHce, to all the Res-
ident Members, notices of each meeting. Notices of the regular
meetings shall be issued on the Monday preceding.

See Chap. VIII., Art. 6.

CHAPTER VI.

OF THE TREASURER.

CHAPTER VII.

OF THE TREASURER.

XIV

meeting in April, he shall make a written report of all his doings for
the year preceding, and of the amount and condition of all the prop-
erty of the Society intrusted to him. One week before the monthly
meeting in April of each year, he shall give notice to every member
of the annual assessment remaining due from him for every preceding
year.

Art. 2. — He shall pay no moneys, except on vote of the Society,
or on voucher of an officer or committee acting conformably to its laws
or orders.

CHAPTER VIII.

OF THE LIBRARIAN, AND OF THE LIBRARY.

Art. 1. — The Librarian shall have charge of all the books, tracts,
maps, manuscripts, and other property of the Society appropriate to a
library ; and shall cause to be made and kept exact and perfect cata-
logues of each and all of them, doing whatever may be in his power,
at all times, to preserve and increase the collections under his care.

Art. £. — He shall acknowledge each donation that may be made to
the Library, by a certificate addressed to the person making it.

Art. 3. — He shall, at every monthly meeting of the Society, report
all donations made to the Library since the last monthly meeting, with
the names of the donors ; and, at the annual meeting, shall present a
statement of the condition and wants of the Library, with a notice of
the important accessions that may have been made to it during the
year.

Art. 4. — He shall cause to be kept a regular and exact account of
all books taken out, with the names of the persons who take them,
and the dates when they are borrowed and returned.

Art. 5. — He shall report in writing, at each monthly meeting, the
name of every book that has been out of the Library for a longer term
than is permitted by the By-laws, and shall use his discretion in obtain-
ing the return of such books.

Art. 6. — There shall be an Assistant Librarian, not a member of
the Society, appointed by the Standing Committee and the Librarian,
who shall assist the Librarian in all or any of his duties ; who shall

also aid the Recording Secretary in notifying meetings, copying reports,
or in any other way that may be required, and who shall render such
other services to the Society connected with its Library or its general
proceedings as the Standing Committee may direct.

Art. 7. — The Librarian shall be present in the Library, in person
or by his assistant, at the regular hours, and at such other times as may
be appointed for keeping it open ; and shall endeavor to render it
useful to all who may resort to it.

Art. 8 — Any member of the Society may take from the Library
three printed volumes at a time, and keep each of them four weeks,
with a right to renew the loan for four weeks more, unless some other
member has, in that interval, asked for it in writing ; but, if he retains
it beyond this second period, he must first obtain the written assent of
a member of the Standing Committee, permitting him to do so, or he
shall be fined ten cents a week for each volume so retained.

Art. 9. — At the written request of any member of this Society, the
Librarian shall permit any person to visit and use the Library, at such
times as the Librarian may be in attendance ; such member becoming
thereby responsible for any injury to the property of the Society that
may result from such introduction of a stranger.

Art. 10. — At the written request of any member of the Society,
the Librarian shall deliver to any one person indicated in such request,
but to no more than one person at the same time, any book or books
belonging to the Society, which the member himself could take out ;
such member, by such request, making himself responsible that all
the rules relating to the book or books so taken out shall be as fully
observed by the person authorized to receive them, as if he were a
member ; and that any injury accruing to the property of the Society,
in consequence of the privilege thus granted, shall be made good by
the member at whose request the grant is made.

Art. 11. — At the meetings in April, July, October, and January,
the Librarian shall lay before the Society a list of the names of those
persons, not members, who, during the preceding three months respec-
tively, may have had access to the Library by permission of individual
members of 'the Society, with the names of the members at whose
request the privilege was granted ; adding a statement of each injury
that may have been sustained by the property of the Society, in
consequence of granting such permission, and the name of the member
bound to make it good.

XVI

Art. 12. — The Publishing Committee, for the time being, shall be
permitted to take such books and manuscripts from the Library as
they may need, in order properly to perform the duty assigned to them
by the Society ; but the Librarian shall make an especial entry or
record of whatever is so taken, and, as soon as the volume they may
have in charge is published, he shall demand and obtain from said
Committee whatever they may have so received.

Art. 13. — All manuscripts of the Society shall be kept under lock
and key, and be consulted or used only in presence of the Librarian
or his Assistant.

Art. 14. — Persons not members of the Society, but engaged in
historical pursuits, shall be allowed to consult the manuscripts belong-
ing to the Society, provided an application in writing, stating the
object or objects of the inquiry, be first made to the Librarian, and
approved by a member of the Standing Committee, who shall make
record of the same.

Art. 15. — No manuscript, and no part of a manuscript, belonging
to the Society, shall be copied, except on permission granted by vote
of the Society, after an application in writing, specifying the man-
uscript, or part thereof, desired to be copied ; and if any manuscript
belonging to the Society shall, in consequence of such permission, be
published, in whole or in part, the fact that it was obtained from the
Society shall be stated in its publication. But nothing herein required
shall be construed to prevent the publication of names, dates, and
other chronological memoranda, without special permission obtained as
above required.

Art. 16. — Manuscripts of a confidential nature shall be retained in
a place of special deposit, and shall be consulted only under such reg-
ulations as may be prescribed in each case by vote of the Society.

Art. 17. — No maps, newspapers, or books, either of great rarity or
of constant reference, shall be taken from the Library, except by vote
of the Society.

Art. 18. — All members taking books from the Library shall be
answerable for any injury done to the same, to such amount as may be
deemed just by the Standing Committee ; and any person neglecting
to pay any fines, or assessments for damages, one month after he shall
have received notice of the same from the Librarian, or otherwise
abusing his privilege to the injury of the Library, shall, by order of
the Standing Committee, be interdicted from access to the same.

\\ II

AltT. 19. — All tracts, books, maps, and manuscripts belonging to
the Society, shall be distinctly marked as its property ; and any such
tract, book, &c, that may be presented to the Society, shall be marked
with the name of the donor, and recorded as his gilt.

Art. ~0. — The Library shall be open on all week-days, from nine
o'clock in the forenoon to two in the afternoon, throughout the year,
except on days of public observance, and also during the fortnight
before the annual meeting in April, when it shall be closed for exam-
ination ; and all books that may be lent are hereby required to be
returned previous to that fortnight, under a penalty of a fine of one
dollar for each volume not so returned.

CHAPTER IX.

OF THE CABINET-KEEPER, AND THE MUSEUM.

Art. 1. — The Cabinet-keeper shall haye charge of all coins, works
of art, remains of antiquity, and other articles appropriate to the Soci-
ety's Museum, and shall make and keep perfect and exact catalogues
of the same.

Art. 2. — He shall acknowledge each donation he may receive, by
letter, to the person making it At every monthly meeting of the
Society, he shall report whatever may have been added to the collec-
tion of which he has charge, with the names of the donors ; and, at
the annual meeting, shall present a full report of the condition of the
Museum.

CHAPTER X.

OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE.

Art. 1. — The Standing Committee, as vacancies may occur in the
Society by death or otherwise, shall, at their discretion, report nomina-
tions for Resident Members to fill the same.

XV111

Art. 2. — They shall pay the current expenses of the Society, draw-
ing on the Treasurer, from time to time, for such sums as may be
necessary for that purpose.

Art. S. — They shall annually, in the month of April, make a care-
ful examination of the Library and Museum of the Society, and also
of the Dowse Library ; comparing the books, manuscripts, and other
articles in each, with their catalogues, respectively, and reporting at
the April meeting, in detail, concerning their condition.

Art. 4. — They shall record in full, in a book kept by them for the
purpose, any permission granted by any one of their number for the
consultation of the manuscripts of the Society, by persons not mem-
bers.

Art. 5. — They shall meet in the Society's rooms one hour previous
to every regular meeting, for the fulfillment of their appropriate duties,
and for the purpose of facilitating the transaction of such business as
will be brought before the Society.

Art. 6. — They shall, at every meeting, report to the Society all
their doings since the last meeting, suggesting at the same time such
business as they may deem advisable to bring before it.

CHAPTER XI.

OF THE PUBLISHING COMMITTEE.

Immediately after the publication of any volume of the Collections
of the Society, or at any other time when the Society may order, a
Committee of not less than three persons shall be appointed by nom-
ination from the chair, whose duty it shall be to prepare and publish
another volume ; for which purpose, free use is granted to them of all
the manuscripts, printed books, and other resources of the Society,
except the manuscripts deposited as confidential ; said Committee be-
ing required hereby to return whatever they may have thus received,
so soon as their use of the same for the purposes of such publication
shall have ceased.

In every publication that shall be made from the income of the
Appleton Fund, there shall be inserted in each volume a notice, in *
print, that it was made at the charge of that fund.

XIX

CHA PT EE XII.

OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE TREASURER'S ACCOUNTS.

At the monthly meeting in March, annually, a Committee shall be
appointed by nomination from the chair, consisting of not less than
two persons, whoso duty it shall be to examine the Treasurer's accounts
for the year preceding, and at the monthly meeting in April to report
thereon, and on the state of any property of the Society in his hands.

C IT A P TEE XIII.

RULES FOR THE DOWSE LIBRARY.

Art. 1. — The room in which the books are deposited which were
presented to the Society by Thomas Dowse shall be known for ever as
the Dowse Library of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Art. 2. — No book shall be taken out of this room.

Art. 3. — Books may be used in the room by members of the Soci-
ety, and by others introduced by them in person ; but no book shall
be taken from the cases except by members, or by the Assistant Libra-
rian, who shall cause each book to be returned to its proper place
immediately after it has been used.

Art. 4. — Meetings of the Society may be held in the Dowse
Library, at the discretion of the Standing Committee ; but the room
shall not be used for any other meetings.

OFFICERS

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

18 5 7-8.

President.
Hon. Robert C. WiNTHRop, LL. D., of Boston

Vice- Presidents.
Jareu Sparks, LL. D.,
Hon. David Sears, A. M.,

of Cambridge,
of Boston.

Recording Secretary.
Rev. Chandler Bobbins, D. D.,

Corresponding Secretary.
Joseph Willard, A. M.,

Treasurer.
Hon. Richard Frothingham, Jr.,

Librarian.
Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop, D. D.,

Cabinet-Keeper.
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, M. D.,

Standing Committee.
William Brigham, A. B.,
Francis Parkman, A. B.,
George Livermore, A. M.,
Thomas Aspinwall, A. M.,

of Boston.

of Charlestown.

of Boston.

of Boston,
of Boston,
of Cambridge,
of Boston.

RES I 1) E N T M E M B E R S,

IX Till' oimr.K OF THBIB ELECTION.

Hon. Josiah Quiney, LL. I>.
Hon. James Savage, LL. I).
Hon. Nathan Halo, LL. D.
Hon. Edward Everett, LL. D.
Rev. William Jenks, I). D.
Jared Sparks, LL. D.
Joseph E. Worcester, LL. D.
Joseph Willard, A. M.
Lemuel Shattuck, Esq.
6ev. Joseph B. Felt, LL. D.
Hon. Lemuel Shaw, LL. D.
Rev. Convers Francis, D. D.
George Tieknor, LL. D.
Hon. Nathan Appleton, LL. D.
Hon. Rufus Choate, LL. D.
Hon. Daniel A. White, LL. D.
William H. Presedtt, LL. D.
Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, LL. D.
Rev. Alvan Lamson, D. D.
Hon. Charles F. Adams, A. M.
Rev. George E. Ellis, D. D.
Hon. John C. Gray, LL. D.
Rev. Nath'l L. Frothingham, D. D.
Hon. George S. Hillard, LL. D.
Hon. William Minot, A. M.
Hon. Peleg TV. Chandler, A. M.
Rev. George TV. Blagden, D. D.
Rev. Lucius R. Paige, A. M.
Hon. Solomon Lincoln, A. M.
Rev. Chandler Robbins, D. D.
Francis Bowen, A. M.
John Langdon Sibley, A. M.
Hon. Richard Frothingham, Jr.
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, M. P.

Henry Wheatland, M. D.

lion. David Sears, A. M.
Sylvester Judd, Esq.
Thomas II. Webb, M. 1).
Charles Deane, A. M.
George Livermore, A. M.
Francis Parkman, A. 1>.
Ellis Ames, A. M.
Hon. John II. Clifford, LL. D.
William Brigham, A. B.
Hon. Emory Washburn, LL. D.
Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop, D. D.
Rev. William Newell, D. D.
Hon. Lorenzo Sabine, A. M.
Thomas Aspinwall, A. M.
Rev. John S. Barry.
John A. Lowell, LL. D.
Lucius M. Sargent, A. M.
Cornelius C. Felton, LL. D.
J. Lathrop Motley, A. B.
Nathaniel I. Bowditch, A. M.
George R. Russell, LL. D.
Hon. Charles H. Warren, A. M.
Rev. James Walker, D. D.
Rev. Edmund H. Sears, A. B.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, M. D.
Hon. William IT. Sumner, A. M.
Henry W. Longfellow, A. M.
Rev. Frederick H. Hedge, D. D.
Frederick Tudor, Esq.
Jacob Bigelow, LL. D.
Hon. George T. Davis, A. B.
Hon. Stephen Salisbury, A. M.
Henry A. Whitney, A. M.

HONORARY AND CORRESPONDING MEMBERS,

ELECTED UNDER THE ORIGINAL ACT OF INCORPORATION, 1794.

IN THE ORDER OF THEIR ELECTION.

This List is believed to contain the names of all the Honorary and Corresponding Member;

now living.

Benjamin Silliman, LL. D.
Rev. Eliphalet Nott, I). D.
John Wakefield Francis, M. D.
Baron Alexander von Humboldt.
Hon. Gulian C. Vorplanck, LL. D.
Robert Walsh, LL. D.
Frederic von Adelung.
Don Manuel Moreno, M. D.
Don Jose Maria Salazar.
Rev. John Hutchinson.
Charles Christian Rafn, P. D.
Thomas C. Halliburton, Esq.
Hon. Washington Irving, LL. D.
Charles Fraser, Esq.
Sir Francis Palgrave.
Hon. Lewis Cass, LL. D.
Theodore Dwight, A. M.
Hon. William Jay.
Cesar Moreau.
Erastus Smith, Esq.
Hon. James Kirke Paulding.
Rev. Benjamin Tappan, D. D.
Joshua Francis Fisher, A. M.
T. A. Moerenbout.
Usher Parsons, M. D.
Hon. George Folsom, A. M.
Rev. Luther Halsey, D. D.

John Disney, Esq.

Rev. Francis Lister Hawks, D. D.

Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D.

Henri Ternaux-Compans.

George Catlin, Esq.

John Winthrop, Esq.

Constantine D. Schinas.

Joaquim Jose Da Costa de Macedo.

Hon. Daniel D. Barnard.

Frederic de Waldeck.

Israel K. Tefft, Esq.

Hon. David L. Swain, LL. D.

Hon. James M. Wayne, LL. D.

M. Hall McAllister, Esq.

Rev. William B. Stevens, D. D.

Henry Black, LL. D.

Rev. John Lee, D. D.

Rev. Charles Burroughs, D. D.

George Atkinson Ward, Esq.

Rev. Joseph Hunter, F. A. S.

Richard Almack, Esq.

Rev. George Oliver.

Sir Archibald Alison, Bt., D. C. L.

Col. James D. Graham.

Robert Lemon, Esq.

Thomas C. Grattan, Esq.

Don Pedro de Angelis.

Will

John Romeyne Brodbead, A. M.

Major E2. I>. Jarvis.

Lord Braybrooke, D. C. 1,.

Iv George Squier, E!sq.
I Payne Kenyon Kilbourne.
I Miss Frances Manwaring Caulk im
, Thomas Donaldson, Esq.
I Hon. George Bancroft, LL. D.
I Hon Lncas Aiaman.
B J. Hammond Trumbull, Esq.
I Robert Bigsby, LL. I).
i Rev. Joseph Romilly, A. M.
I . I aiiirs Kicker, Jr., Esq.

Henry Bond M. D.

Henry Stevens, Esq.

Cyrus Eaton, Esq.

Baron Maeanlay, I). C. L.

Henry Hallam, LL. D:

William Willis, Esq.
Frederic ( rriffin, Elsq.
.John Carter Browne, Elsq.
Hon. Elijah Hayward.
William 8. Southgate, Elsq.

Hon. Samuel ( i. Arnold.

Hon. Charles S. Davies.

John Gihnary Shea, Esq.

James Lenox, Esq.

Ht. Kev. Samuel Wilberforce, D. D.

Winthrop Sargent, A. M.

Earl Stanhope.

Hon. William C. Kivcs.

Peter Force, Esq.

Hon. John R. Bartlett.

Samuel Eliot, A. M.

G. P. Faribault, Esq.

William Paver, Esq.

HONORARY AND CORRESPONDING MEMBERS,

ELECTED SIXCE THE TASSAGE OF THE ACT OF 18-57.

Honorary.
Francois Pierre Guill. Guizot, LL.D.
Alexis De Tocqueville, LL. D.
Lord Lyndhnrst.

Corresponding.
Rev. William B. Sprague, D. D.
Eev. Samuel Osgood, D I).
William Durrant Cooper, F. S. A.
E. B. O'Callaghan, M. D.
Buckingham Smith, Esq.
Benjamin F. French, Esq.
Francis Licbcr, LL. D.
William H. Trescott, Esq.

CORRESPONDENCE,

IN 1774 AND 1775,

BETWEEN A COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF BOSTON AND

CONTRIBUTORS OF DONATIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF

THE SUFFERERS BY THE BOSTON FORT BILL.

. [Among the archives of the Massachusetts Historical Society are two
Letter Books ; one. containing copies of Letters addressed to the Committee
appointed by the Town of Boston to reeeive and distribute the Donations
contributed for the relief of the sufferers by the Boston Port Bill ; and the
other, containing the Replies to these Letters by the Committee. In some
instances, no reply to the letters is recorded. This Correspondence is now,
for the first time, printed. For convenience of reference, the letters of both
volumes are arranged chronologically — the reply following the letter to which
it is an answer. On a fly-leaf of one of these volumes, is the following
memorandum : " This Book contains copies of certain Letters directed to a
Committee of the Town of Boston, appointed to receive and distribute such
Donations as might be sent to them, for the Employment or Relief of such
Tradesmen and others, Inhabitants of said Town, who might become sufferers
for want of employment in their several occupations, by means of the unpre-
cedented and cruel Edict of the British Parliament for shutting up the Harbor
of Boston."

The Boston Port Bill received the royal assent on the 31st of March, 1774,
and went into effect on the first of June. The House of Representatives of
Massachusetts, on the 17th of June, the day it was dissolved by Governor
Gage, passed the following preamble and resolution :

" Whereas the towns of Boston and Charlestown are at this time suffering
under the hand of power, by the shutting up the harbor by an armed force,
which in the opinion of this house is an invasion of the said towns, evidently
designed to compel the inhabitants thereof to a submission to taxes imposed
upon them without their consent : And whereas it appears to this house that
this attack upon the said towns for the purpose aforesaid is an attack made
upon this whole Province and Continent, which threatens the total destruction
of the liberties of all British America :

" It is therefore Resolved, as the clear opinion of this House, That the in-
habitants of the said towns ought to be relieved ; and this House do recommend
to all, and more especially to the inhabitants of this Province, to afford them
speedy and constant relief, in such way and manner as shall be most suitable
4tu s. — VOL. II. 1

2 Colonial Correspondence.

to their circumstances, till the sense and advice of our sister colonies shall be
known : In full confidence that they will exhibit examples of patience, forti-
tude and perseverance, while they are thus called to endure this oppression
for the preservation of the liberties of their country."

Subsequently, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress took measures to pro-
mote contributions ; and, on the 17th of September, the Continental Congress
"Resolved, unanimously \ That contributions from all the Colonies, for supplying
the necessities and alleviating the distresses of our brethren at Boston, ought
to be continued, in such manner, and so long, as their occasions may require."

The following extracts from the Boston Town Records, of 1774, will show
the action of the town in relation to the appointment of the Donation Com-
mittee and the reception of the contributions.

" On the 13 th of May, moved and voted, nem. con., that Mr. Samuel
Adams, John Rowe, Esq., Thomas Boylston, Esq., William Phillips, Esq.,
Dr. Joseph Warren, John Adams, Esq., Josiali Quincy, Esq., the Hon.
Thomas Gushing., Esq., Mr. Henderson Inches, Mr. William Molineux, Mr.
Nathaniel Appleton, be and hereby are appointed a committee to take the
several proposals that have been made, and others that may be made, relative
to our conduct on the present exigency, into their consideration, and report
as soon as may be their opinion."

On the 17th of June, it was voted : " Whereas the Overseers of the Poor,
in the Town of Boston, are a body politic by law, constituted for the receipt
and distribution of all charitable donations for the use of the poor of said
town,

" Voted, That all grants and donations to this town and the poor thereof,
at this distressed season, be paid and delivered into the hands of the Over-
seers, and by them appropriated and distributed, in concert with the Committee
lately appointed by this town, for the consideration of the ways and means of
employing the poor."

On the 19th of July, the Overseers of the Poor, " for reasons offered by
them, did desire to be discharged from further services touching the receiving
and distributing donations, when it was, Voted, That Capt. Fortesque Vernon,
Captain Edward Proctor, Mr. John White, Mr. Gibbens Sharp, Capt. Wil-
liam Mackay, Mr. Thomas Greenough, Capt. Samuel Partridge, Benjamin
Austin, Esq., Mr. Jonathan Mason, Mr. John Brown, Mr. James Richard-
son, Mr. Thomas Crafts, Jr., Mr. Henry Hill, Mr. Joshua Henshaw, Jr., be
added to the first-named committee j" i. e. the committee chosen May 13.

On the 26th of July is the following vote : " Voted, That the gentlemen
whose names are after mentioned, viz., Mr. Samuel Adams, John Rowe, Esq.,
Mr. Thomas Boylston, William Phillips, Esq., Dr. Joseph Warren, John
Adams, Esq., Josiah Quincy, Esq., Thomas Cushing, Esq., Mr. Henderson
Inches, Mr. William Molineux, Mr. Nathan Appleton, Capt. Fortesque
Vernon, Capt. Edward Proctor, Mr. John White, Mr. Gibbens Sharp, Capt.
William Mackay, Mr. Thomas Greenough, Capt. Samuel Partridge, Benjamin
Austin, Esq., Mr. Jonathan Mason, Mr. John Brown, Mr. James Richard-
son, Mr. Thomas Crafts, Jr., Mr. Henry Hill, Mr. Joshua Henshaw, Jr.* Mr.
David Jeffries, be, and hereby are appointed the committee to receive all
donations that have been, or may be made for the employment or relief of
such inhabitants of this town as may be sufferers for want of employment in
their several occupations, by means of the act of the British Parliament for
shutting up the harbor of Boston, and to appropriate, improve, or distribute

Colonial Correspondence. 3

the same for the purpose aforesaid, according to their Lest discretion ; the
said committee to be accountable to the town."

On the 1 > 1 1 1 of August is the following record : " The committee on ways
and means for employing the poor, and receiving and applying the donations
that have and may be made them, at this distressing season, reported verbally,
1 That it was in their opinion, that the poor of our sister town of Charlestown,
were suffering with us, under the operation of the Boston Port Bill, ought to
share with our poor in those donations.' Upon which it was moved, and the
question was accordingly put, ' Whether our sister town of Charlestown is
equitably entitled to a certain part of the donations that are and may he
received for the employment and relief of such persons as arc sufferers hy the
operation of the Boston Port Bill,' which passed in the affirmative unanimously.
Also moved, that whereas the town of Charlestown have had encouragement
from the committee on ways and means, that they were to receive seven per
cent, out of the donations mentioned above, said committee may now accord-
ingly be directed to apply for their relief out of said donations, in the pro-
portion of seven per cent. And the question being put, passed in the
affirmative."

On the 25th of October, "On a motion made, that ten persons be added
to the committee of ways and means for employing the poor sufferers by the
operation of the Boston Port Bill, so called, footed, That Mr. Daniel Waldo,
Mr. William Whitwell, Capt. John Pulling, Mr. Peter Boyer, Mr. Samuel
May, Mr. John Avery, Jr., Mr. William Boardman, Mr. John Soley, Capt.
Nehemiah Soames, Mr. John Preston, be, and hereby are added to the
committee on ways and means for employing the poor."

Samuel Adams signs his name as chairman of the Donation Committee, in
its official letters ; and it is stated that the Town Treasurer, David Jeffries,
was its Treasurer. The replies to the letters from abroad were evidently from
different pens. In the Boston archives may be found much matter relative to
the proceedings of this committee.

The town records, under the date of the 7th of December, 1774, read :
" On a motion made, Voted, That a committee be appointed to draught a vote
of thanks of the Town of Boston expressive of their gratitude for the benev-
olent assistance which they have received from the other Colonies, during their
present calamities, and particularly for [the] generous recommendation of the
respectable Continental Congress for farther support from their sister Colonies,
during their unhappy struggles, under the arbitrary and oppressive measures
of the present British administration.

" Voted, That Jonathan Williams, Esq., Moderator, the Hon. James Otis,
Esq., Dr. Benjamin Church, Dr. Joseph Warren, Mr. John Pitts, Joseph
Greenleaf, Esq., Mr. William Cooper, be a committee to prepare said report,
and report the same at the adjournment."

On the oOth of December is the following record : " The following vote,
expressive of the gratitude of the town for the benevolent assistance received
from the other Colonies under our present calamities, and the kind recommend-
ation of the late respectable Continental Congress for future support, passed
nem. con.

"Whereas the Town of Boston is befortunately become the most striking
monument of ministerial tyranny and barbarity, as is particularly exhibited in
the sudden shutting up this port, thereby cruelly depriving the inhabitants of
this metropolis of the means they have hitherto used to support their families ;

4 Letter from Windham.

and whereas our brethren in the other Colonies, well knowing that we are
suffering in the common cause of America and of mankind, have, from a
generous and brotherly disposition, contributed largely towards our support in
this time of our general distress (without which many of our worthy and
virtuous citizens must have been in imminent danger of perishing with cold
and hunger) :

" And whereas the honorable members of the Continental Congress have
kindly recommended us to our sister Colonies, as worthy of farther support
from them, while the iron hand of unremitting oppression lies heavy upon us.
Therefore

" Voted, That this Town, truly sensible of the generous assistance they have
received from their sympathizing brethren, return them their earnest and most
sincere thanks for the same. And they pray that God, whose beneficence
they so gloriously imitate, may bestow upon them the blessings he has prom-
ised to all them, who feed the hungry and clothe the naked : And the thanks
of this Town are accordingly hereby given to our benefactors aforementioned,
and to the honorable members of the Congress, for their benevolence towards
us, expressed as aforesaid, which support, if continued, cannot fail of anima-
ting us to remain steadfast in defending the rights of America."

The ninth volume of the second series of these Collections contains a List
of the Donations received in 1775, from January 30 to April 17. It was
printed from manuscript, and as it goes no further back than January, 1775,
of course it is incomplete. Before this date, the Boston journals regularly
acknowledged the receipt of the donations ; and though the list referred to,
specifies the same contributors which the journals name during the correspond-
ing period, yet, in many cases, the specification in the journals is more full
than it is in the list. — B. F., Jr.]

LETTER FROM WINDHAM. »

Windham, Connecticut, 28th June, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Tis with pity, mixed with indignation, that we have
beheld the cruel and unmanly attacks made by the British
Parliament on the loyal and patriotic Town of Boston, who
seem destined to feel the force of ministerial wrath, the
whole weight of parliamentary vengeance levelled at them
in a manner so replete with cruelty and injustice, as must
strike every heart with horror, and fill every breast with

1 The only letter addressed to the Donation Committee which appears in the
contemporary journals, is that of the town of Windham. The Boston Gazette,
of July 18, 1774, contains the following letter, bearing on the contributions,

Letter from Win din on. 6

rage, that is not entirely void of every sentiment of honor
and justice, and callous to all the common feelings of hu-
manity. But when we consider the cause of all these
calamities, that it is nothing- less, on your part, than a strict
adherence to the fundamental principles of the Constitution,

addressed, probably, to the Committee of Correspondence. The Gazette says :
"The Boston Committee have received the following- spirited letter from the
Committee of Correspondence of the respectable town of Glastenbury, in the
patriotic colony of Connecticut." — Ed.

Glastenbury, in Connecticut, June 23, 1774.
Gentlemen :

We cannot but heartily sympathize with you under the gloomy prospects
which at present are before you, upon account of those oppressive Acts of Par-
liament which have lately been passed, respecting Boston in particular, and the
Province of Massachusetts Bay in general. Especially when we consider that
our liberties and privileges are so nearly and indissolubly connected with yours,
that an encroachment upon one, at least, destroys all the security of the other.
It seems the Parliament of Great Britain are determined to reduce America to a
state of vassalage, and, unless we all unite in the common cause, they will un-
doubtedly accomplish their design. We are much surprised to find so many of
the merchants in Boston courting favor of the tools of the ministry, and heaping 1
encomiums on that enemy to liberty, that traitor to his country, and abettor, if
not author, of all these evils to America. However, w r e hope the spirit of liberty
is not entirely fled from Boston, but that you will yet hold out, and to the last
resist and oppose those who are striving to enslave America. You may depend
on us, and we believe all Connecticut, almost to a man, to stand by you and
assist you in the defence of our invaluable rights and privileges, even to the
sacrificing of our lives and fortunes in so good a cause. You will see the deter-
minations and resolves of this town, which we have inclosed. A subscription is
set on foot for the relief of the poor in Boston, and what money or provisions
shall be collected, we shall forward as soon as possible. We are informed that
your House of Representatives have appointed a time for the meeting of the
general Congress, in which we hope all the Colonies will concur, and that a non-
importation and non-exportation agreement, will be immediately come into, which
we doubt not will procure the desirpd effect. And notwithstanding the gloomy
aspect of things at present, we cannot but look forward, with fond hopes and
pleasing expectations, to that glorious era, when America, in spite of all the
efforts of her enemies to the contrary, shall rise superior to all opposition, over-
come oppression, be a refuge for the oppressed, a nurse of liberty, a scourge to
tyranny, and the envy of the world.

Then (if you stand firm and unshaken amidst this storm of ministerial ven-
geance) shall it be told to your everlasting honor, that Boston stood foremost in
the cause of liberty, when the greatest power on earth was striving to divest
them of it ; and by their noble efforts, joined with the united virtue of her sister
Colonies, they overcame, and thereby have transmitted to posterity those invalu-
able rights and privileges, which their forefathers purchased with their blood.

And now, Gentlemen, relying on your steadiness and firmness in the common
cause, we subscribe, your most obedient, humble servants,

Elizur Talcott, "}

William Williams, |

Eben'r Plummer, } Committee.

Isaac Moseley,

Josiah Hale, J

6 Letter from Windham.

which, when attacked, you dared openly to assert and vin-
dicate, and stand foremost in the glorious cause of Liberty,
in which you are contending not only for your own, but
ours and the common rights of every American. When
we reflect that it is this for which you are suffering such
horrid cruelties, for which your streets have been stained
with blood, and for which you now feel the horrors of a
military government, we [are] overwhelmed with a conflict of lj
tumultuous passions, and filled with that manly ardor which
bids us join you hand in hand, and suffer with you in the
common cause ; nay, even, if the sad exigence of affairs j
should ever require it, to determine, in defence of every'
thing for which life is worth enjoying, to meet that death
which will be glorious, and infinitely preferable to a life
dragged on in that low, servile state, which is evidently
planned for us, and which nothing less than the most heroic
fortitude, and the highest exertions of every civil and Chris-
tian virtue can prevent. Give us leave, therefore, Gentle-
men, to entreat, to beg, to conjure you, by every thing that
is dear, by every thing that is sacred, by the venerable names
of our pious forefathers, who suffered, who bled in the de-
fence of Liberty, not to desert the cause at this trying crisis,
but to use your utmost influence in pursuing and persever-
ing in every measure, which may have a tendency to pro-
duce the desired effect.

Gentlemen, we hereby assure you that, to the utmost of
our power, we will assist you in every measure necessary
for the common safety, not regarding our own private views
and interests, when in competition with the public good.

This Town is very sensible of the obligations we, and
with us, all British America, are under to the Town of Bos-
ton, who have been, and still are, the generous defenders of
our common rights and liberties. We know you suffer, and
feel for you. As a testimony of our commiseration of your
misfortunes, the Town, on the 23d instant, at a legal and
very full meeting, unanimously chose a Committee to pro-
cure subscriptions for your present relief. Accordingly, we
have procured a small flock of sheep, which at this season
are not so good as we could wish, but are the best we had,
and the people of this Town were almost unanimous in
contributing to this purpose.

Letter from Groton. 7

This small present, Gentlemen, we beg you would accept,
and apply to the relief of those honest, industrious poor,
who are most distressed by the late arbitrary and oppressive
Acts. And rest assured that if Parliament does not soon
afford you relief, and there should in future be any need of
our assistance, we shall, with the utmost cheerfulness, exert
our influence to that purpose.

We arc, Gentlemen, with great respect,

Your most obedient and very humble servants,

Samuel Gray,

Nathaniel Wales, Jr.,

Ebenezer Devotion,

Ebenezer Mosely, Committee

Hezekiaii Bissell, \ of

Joseeii Genings, Correspondence.

William Durkee,

John Howard,

Hezekiah Manning,

N. B. We have inclosed herewith a copy of the doings of the Town for your
amusement, which may serve for a specimen of our sentiments.

To the Selectmen of the Town of Boston. l

letter from groton.

Groton, June 28th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The inhabitants of the Town of Groton, in general,
are deeply affected with a sense of our public calamities,
and more especially the distresses of our brethren in the
Capital of the Province, as we esteem the act of blocking
up the harbor of Boston replete with injustice and cruelty,
and evidently designed to compel the inhabitants thereof to
submission of taxes imposed upon them without their con-
sent, and threatens the total destruction of the liberties of
all British America. We ardently desire a happy union
with Great Britain and the Colonies, and shall gladly adopt

1 This letter was printed in the journals ; but no reply to it is recorded. The
Boston Gazette, of July 4, says : " Last week were driven to the neighboring-
town of Roxbury, two hundred and fifty-eight sheep, a generous contribution of

8 Letter from Groton.

every measure consistent with the dignity and safety of
British subjects for that purpose.

In full confidence that the inhabitants of the Town off
Boston will, in general, exhibit examples of patience, forti-
tude and perseverance, while they are called to endure this
oppression for the preservation of the liberties of their
country, and in token of our willingness to afford all suit-
able relief to them in our poAver, a number of the inhabi-
tants of this Town have subscribed, and this day sent forty
bushels of grain, part rye and part Indian corn, to be deliv-
ered to the Overseers of the Poor of said Town of Boston,
not doubting but the same will be suitably applied for thati
purpose ; and we earnestly desire you will use your utmost |
endeavor to prevent and avoid all mobs, riots, and tumults,
and the insulting of private persons and property. And
while the farmers are cheerfully resigning part of their sub-
stance for your relief, we trust the merchants will not
oppress them by raising upon the goods which they have
now on hand and heretofore purchased. And may God
prosper every undertaking which tends to the salvation of
the people.

"We are, Gentlemen, your friends and fellow-countrymen.
In the name and by order of the Committee of Correspond-
ence for the Town of Groton.

Oliver Prescott, Clerk.

To the Overseers of the Town of Boston.

our sympathizing brethren of the town of Windham, in the colony of Connecticut ;
to be distributed for the employment or relief of those who may be sufferers by
means of the act of Parliament called the Boston Port Bill."

The town acknowledged this contribution by a special vote, passed July 4, in
the following terms : " Upon a motion made and seconded, Voted, unanimously,
That the thanks of the town be, and hereby are given to our worthy friends, the
inhabitants of the town of Windham, in the colony of Connecticut, for the kind
and generous assistance they have granted this town, under its present distress
and calamity, in voluntarily sending two hundred and fifty-eight sheep, as a
present for the relief of the poor, industrious inhabitants of this place, who, by
a late oppressive and cruel act of Parliament for blocking up the harbor of Bos-
ton, are prevented getting subsistence for themselves and families.

" Voted, That the Town Clerk be directed to transmit an attested copy of the
above vote of thanks to the town of Windham."

The Boston Gazette, of the 11th of July, says : " The tories give out that the
present of sheep sent from the generous town of Windham, came only in conse-
quence of money sent to bring them. How weak, how false, how little and how
low!"— Ed.

Sir

Pot

Sir,

Reply to Grotoit.

RETLY TO GHOTON.i

Boston, July 5th, 1774.

Your obliging letter directed to the Overseers of the
Poor of this Town, together with a generous present from
a number of the inhabitants of the Town of Groton, for
the relief of such inhabitants of this Town as may be
sufferers by the Port Bill, is come to hand. In behalf of
the Committee of this Town, appointed for the reception
of such kind donations, I am now to return to you and the
rest of our benefactors the most sincere thanks. The
gentlemen may be assured their donations will be applied
to the purpose they intend. We are much obliged to you
for the wise cautions given in your letter, and we shall use

our best endeavors that the inhabitants of this Town may
endure their sufferings with dignity, that the glorious cause
for which they suffer may not be reproached. We trust

1 Before the Port Bill went into effect, letters containing assurances of sym-
pathy and support from other Colonies were printed in the Boston journals. The
Boston Gazette of May 23, 1774, contains letters from New- York, Westerly, and
Portsmouth, and the proceedings of a legal town meeting held in Newport, all
expressing the determination to consider " the attack upon the town of Boston,"

1 "not as an attempt made on that town singly, but upon the whole continent."
The Gazette of this date has the following article: "We cannot but gratefully
acknowledge the generous and brotherly interposition of our brethren of the
other Colonies on the present desperate attack of the British Parliament on the
Town of Boston. Among our warmest friends we are happy to enumerate the
respectable inhabitants of the towns of New- York, Hartford, Newport, Ports-
mouth and Westerly, who have thus early assured us of their readiness to unite
in every measure of self-denial and hazard to extricate themselves as well as us
from impending slavery."

The Gazette announced the commencement of the operation of the Port Bill,
on the 6th of June, in the following terms : "Tell it in Gath, publish it in Aske-
lon, that the Boston Port Bill, in all its parts, is now carrying into execution,
and that Boston is thereby got into greater distress, and is more insulted by an
English armament than she ever was by a French or Spanish fleet in the hottest
war, when left without one British ship for her protection. The town is become
a spectacle to angels and men. God grant that it may not be intimidated by the
present horrors to make a surrender of the rights of America ; or in any respect
to dishonor herself at this day of trial or perplexity."

The Gazette, on the 7th of July, thus describes public sentiment after the
Port Bill had been one month in force. " There is not a town of any conse-
quence, on the continent of North America, but is justly alarmed with the pro-
ceedings of the British Parliament, and are taking necessary steps to strengthen
the Union of the Colonies, and thereby defeat the cruel designs of arbitrary
power." — Ed.

4th s. — vol. ii. 2

10 Letter from Wrentham.

that the non-consumption agreement, which we hear is
making progress in the country, will put it out of the
power of any of the merchants to take unreasonable ad-
vantage of raising the prices of their goods. You will,
however, remember, that many heavy articles, such as nails,
&c, will be attended with considerable charge in transport-
ing them from Salem. As the bearer is in haste, I must
conclude, with great regard for your Committee of Corres-
pondence and the inhabitants of the Town of Groton.

Sir, your friend and fellow-countryman,

Signed by order of the Overseers of the Poor,

Sam. Partridge.

To the Committee of the Town of Groton,

in Connecticut. [Mass.]

LETTER FROM WRENTHAM.

Wrentham, July \th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Filled with the sense of the sad alternative of being
reduced to the precarious tenor of the will of others, rouses
our attention and awakens every faculty — shocked with
those master strokes of politics which mark with infamy
the present era, the pillars of the Constitution struck asun-
der, and the whole body politic all in convulsion, which
call for the aid and assistance of every individual — this
Province in particular, and the devoted Town of Boston in
special, is the first mark of ministerial vengeance.

Permit [us] then, Gentlemen, to assure you we feel the
heavy hand of power, and claim a share in your sufferings.
We then, a small number of the inhabitants of this Town,
being sensible of the difficulties so sudden a stop of all
trade must reduce a number of families in your Town, beg
leave thus early to offer you our mite towards relieving our
more immediate suffering brethren amongst you. We
therefore send you, by the bearer, Mr. Ezra Ware, one load
of grain, to be disposed of, for the purpose aforesaid, as

Reply to Wrentham. 11

you in your wisdom and prudence shall judge meet, which
phase to accept as a mark of our sincere regard and entire
approbation of the peaceable measures begun and going on
in this and the other Colonies, for our relief. We assure
you we look on your burthens, ours, and shall at all times
be ready, both in public and private, (according to our
ability,) to give you every assistance to preserve our civil
and religious privileges.

We are, Gentlemen, with truth and regard, your assured
friends and fellow-sufferers in one common cause.

Lemuel Kollock, j *£« $*£

To the Overseers of the Poor of the Town

of Boston and the additional Committee.

19^ bushels rye,
1 1 2 bushels corn,

31 bushels.

REPLY TO WRENTHAM.

Boston, July 5th, 1774.
Sir,

We have to acknowledge your favor of the 4th instant.
We are obliged to you for your kind expressions of sym-
pathy and concern for us under our present difficulty.
We are truly in distress, and suffering under the heavy
hand of power; and as patience, fortitude and perseverance,
while we are enduring this oppression for the preservation
of the rights of America, seem to be expected from us
by our brethren in the country, you must be sensible great
numbers of our people must, for want of employ during
this conflict, be reduced to the utmost distress, unless they
are relieved from the country. We are glad to find you
are of this opinion, and kindly thank you for the load of
grain you have sent by Mr. Ezra Ware, for the relief of
those who are more immediately suffering by the oppres-
sion of the Boston Port Bill.

Signed by order of the Overseers of the Poor.

Sam. Partridge.
To Mr. Sam. [Lem. ?] Kollock, at Wrentham.

12 Letters from Pepper ell — Charlemont.

LETTER FROM PEPPERELL.

Pepperell, July \th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We received the proceedings of Boston the 17th of
June, with your inclosed covenant, which very near the
whole of our District have signed, and we are of opinion
that we have not a man but will sign. We herewith send
you the proceedings of Pepperell, at their late meeting
We have collected forty bushels of grain, which you may i
depend will soon be conveyed to the Overseers of your poor,
[and] desire you would stand firm in the common cause.
Depend on it, we will further assist you with provision and
men, if needful.

We are, Gentlemen, your sympathizing, humble servants.
By order of the Committee of Correspondence.

Wm. Prescott.
To the Committee of Correspondence in Boston.

1 f

letter from charlemont.

Charlemont, July 9th, 1774.
Sirs, *

The inhabitants of Charlemont have considered the
deplorable situation of the poor people of your Town, and
like the poor widow, cast in their mite. They committed
to me two barrels flour, to be sent to you for the relief [of]
the poor, which I have sent by the bearer, desiring you
would receive it for that purpose, and please to signify that
you have received it, and you will oblige your friend and
servant,

Aaron Rice.
To the Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston.

Letter from Farmington. 13

REPLY TO CHARLEMONT.i

Boston, 20th July, 1774.
Sir,
f I received your favor of the 19th instant, advising

that you had sent two barrels of flour for the relief of such
poor people as do suffer by the shutting up of this Port,
which flour I have received, and it shall be applied accord-
ingly. The distresses of this Town begin to come on, and
I do expect them to be great, but we are not intimidated,
nor shall we give up any of our liberties, although we are
surrounded by fleets and armies. Our committee to em-
ploy the poor are not together, of which I am one, as well
as one of the Overseers of the Poor, so do, in the name of
both, return you thanks for your kind donation, and am,

Gentlemen, your very humble servant,

Sam. Partridge.

To Mr. Aaron Rice, Charlemont.

LETTER FROM FARMINGTON.

Farmington, July 25th, 1774.
Dear Sir,

This serves to inform you, that for present relief of
the poor in Boston, we have shipped, per Captain Israel

1 The Boston Gazette, of July 18, 1774, has the following paragraphs :
This is now the forty-eighth day since the siege of Boston began ; and not-
withstanding our accumulating distresses, the inhabitants continue to exhibit
that calm firmness and unanimity, which astonishes our enemies.

The inhabitants of this town are greatly supported under the weight of minis-
terial vengeance, by the kind sympathy, and generous donations of our brethren
and friends, through the Province and Continent. It indeed seems as if their
prophecy would soon be verified in Boston's becoming the granary of North
America. May the behavior of its inhabitants continue to deserve their praise
and bounty. A whole Continent is now awake and active ; one spirit actuates
the whole ; and all unite in prayers to the Supreme Disposer of events, that the
liberties of America may yet be preserved. Last Thursday was a solemn day
in this Town ; the shops and streets empty, and the churches full. May the day
be followed with true repentance and amendment of life, and all the ills we
suffer now, like scattered clouds, shall pass away. — Ed.

14 Reply to Farming ton.

Williams, between three and four hundred bushels of rye
and Indian corn, which we have ordered to be delivered to
yourself, as per advice of Mr. Cooper in his letter to us.
which we wish safe to hand, and to satisfaction; and would 1
also further inform, that we have the subscription still open,ij
and expect, after harvest, to ship you a much larger quan-
tity. As our people are open and generous, firm, steady,
and resolute in the common cause of Liberty, hope the peo-
ple of Boston remain firm and steady. An answer would?
be extreme[ly] agreeable.

With esteem, Sir, I remain your most obedient, humble
servant. Per order and in behalf of the Commitee.

Fisher Gay.
To John Barrett, Esq., Merchant in Boston.

REPLY TO FARMINGTON.

Boston, July 29th, 1774.
Sir,

I am desired by the Committee of the Town of Bos-
ton, appointed to receive the Donations made by our sym-
pathizing brethren, for the employment or relief of such
inhabitants of this Town as are more immediate sufferers
by the cruel act of Parliament for shutting up this harbor,
to acquaint you that our friend, Mr. Barrett, has communi-
cated to them your letter of the 25th instant, advising that
you have shipped, per Captain Israel Williams, between
three and four hundred bushels of rye and Indian corn for
the above mentioned purpose, and that you have the sub-
scriptions still open, and expect after harvest to ship a
much larger quantity. Mr. Barrett tells us, that upon the
arrival of Captain Williams, he will endorse his bill of
lading or receipt to us.

The Committee have a very grateful sense of the gener-
osity of their friends in Farmington, who may depend upon
their donations being applied agreeable to their benevolent
intention, as it is a great satisfaction to the Committee to
find the Continent so united in opinion. The Town of

tii';

Reply to Farmincjton. L5

rye Boston is now suffering for the common liberties of Amer-

to ica, and while they are aided and supported by their friends,

I am persuaded they will struggle through the conflict,

)uld firm and steady.

I am, with very great regard, Gentlemen,

Your friend and countryman,

)eo ' Samuel Adams.

1(1 To Fisher Gay, Esq., and the rest of the

Committee in Farmington, Connecticut.

Boston, August 4th, 1774.
Sir,

Your favor of 25th July, directed to John Barrett,
Esq., has been laid before the Committee to receive and
distribute Donations, and has been answered, July 29th,
which [we] trust you will duly receive. Since which Capt.
Williams has arrived and delivered to the Committee's
Treasurer, one hundred and sixteen and half bushels of
rye, and one hundred and ninety bushels of Indian corn,
as a donation from our generous, patriotic friends in Far-
mington. This Committee, in the name of the Town, re-
turn you and our other friends their most grateful acknowl-
edgments, and assure [you we] shall do our utmost to
distribute it, agreeable to the benevolent intentions of the
contributors. As Capt. Williams brought us no letter, nor
had any particular directions about the freight of the grain,
the Committee immediately agreed to pay the same, and
offered it to Capt. Williams, but he chose rather to suspend
the receiving of it until further day. You may be assured
that the friends of Liberty and a righteous government are
firm and steady to the common cause of American rights.
We are in hopes to keep our poor from murmuring, and
that, by the blessing of Heaven, we shall shortly be con-
firmed in that freedom for which our ancestors entered the
wilds of America.

With the greatest respect we are, Sir, your friends and
fellow-countrymen. By order of the Committee appointed

16 Letter from Wether sfield.

to receive Donations for the employment or relief of the
sufferers by the Boston Port Bill.

Sam. Adams, Chairman.
To Fisher Gay, Esq., Farmington,

111!''

(111

sir

LETTER FROM WETHERSFIELD.*

Wethersfield, 25th July, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We being sometime since, at a Town Meeting held ini
this place, appointed a Committee to take in a subscription i k
for the Town of Boston ; and having the most tender sym- \ to\
pathy with the inhabitants of your worthy and very respect- -

— - — . — ■ ' ii

BCC

lit
l

1 The Colony of Connecticut, by its Legislature, recommended three times a
general subscription for the relief of the poor of Boston. The public sympathy
is indicated in the following paragraph from the Boston Gazette of June 20 :

" The first of June, when the Boston Port Bill took place, was observed by the
inhabitants of Hartford, in Connecticut, as a day of mourning. The bells began
to toll early in the morning, and continued till evening ; the town house was
hung with black, and the Edict affixed thereto ; the shops were all shut, and
their windows covered with black, and other ensigns of distress."

The Connecticut Committee of Correspondence, in a letter dated Hartford,
June 3, 1774, addressed to the Boston Committee of Correspondence, say : —
" The situation of the Town of Boston, particularly of the poor, and such as must
now be deprived of employ, and reduced to straits, was considered by both
Houses of Assembly, and a resolution come into to contribute to their relief,
which passed both Houses." — Force's Archives, vol. i. 305. A letter in the Essex
Gazette of June 14, states that the Assembly voted to raise contributions in the
several religious congregations. The same journal, of August 16, has a letter
dated Hartford, July 26, which reads : — " The Committee of Correspondence for
the Town of Hartford, met yesterday, and opened subscriptions according to the
direction of the inhabitants at their late meeting, for the relief of the industrious
poor of the Town of Boston, and it is not in the least doubted but that it will
meet with very general encouragement." The Gazette of September 27, under
the head of Boston, September 26, has the following: — " We hear the Town of
Hartford in Connecticut, have contributed 1,400 bushels of grain ; Middletown
about the same quantity ; Kensington, 600 ; Middle Haddam, 600 ; and other
towns in that Colony are doing the same for the relief of the poor in this town."

The Connecticut House of Representatives, October 20, 1774, unanimously
" Resolved, That contributions from all the towns in this Colony, for supplying
the necessities and alleviating the distresses of our brethren at Boston, ought to
be continued, in such manner, and so long as their occasions may require."

At a legal meeting of the Town of Danbury, Connecticut, on the 12th of De-
cember, the fifth declaration was : " As we look upon the Town of Boston to be
suffering in the common cause of American liberty, we would manifest our
hearty sympathy with them, in their present calamitous state, and readiness to

Letter from Wether -afield. 17

able metropolis, under their present severe and unparalleled
Bufferings in the common cause of American liberty, from
the cruel and oppressive edicts of a British Parliament,
most cheerfully undertook the trust, and have been (agree-
able to the sense of the Town) endeavoring to collect in
grain, (as was proposed,) a proportion among the inhabi-
tants, as nearly as might be to the value of 1^/. on the pound
on the list of the polls and rateable estates, &c. But as
many people have expended almost or quite all their old
stores, and have none they can now spare, have not raised
so much as we flattered ourselves we should have ; but
supposing what we could now send before harvest, might
be more acceptable than after, when we trust many other
towns round about us will be sending, have now forwarded

administer to the relief of their suffering poor, according to our abilities ; and do
accordingly recommend to the inhabitants of this town to contribute liberally of
money or provisions. For this purpose we have appointed Captain Daniel Starr,
Messrs. John McLean, Zadock Benedict, and Andrew Comstock, a Committee to
receive such donations, and transmit the same to the Committee appointed to
receive them in the Town of Boston. Our being so late in contributing to their
relief hath not arisen from our having been unconcerned spectators of their dis-
tressed situation ; but hearing of the laudable zeal of others, we were ready to
conclude there was a sufficient present supply, and that our donations would be
more needed, and more acceptable at some future time."

The Boston Gazette of March 27, 1775, has the following preamble and reso-
lution passed on the 8th of March, 1775, by the House of Representatives of
Connecticut :

" Whereas, our brethren of the Town of Boston, have long suffered, and are yet
suffering under the hand of oppression, grievous and unparalleled hardships and
distresses, in consequence of their resolution to support the great principles of
constitutional liberty ; and having endured and yet enduring those sufferings in
the common cause of America, with most exemplary fortitude and magnanimity,
the principles of humanity and justice to ourselves and them, require that they
should not be left to sink under the weight of burdens which, without assistance,
may become absolutely insupportable :

" And although many donations have been made them, by this and the other
Colonies, yet upon authentic intelligence, it appears they are inadequate to the
real distresses, in which thousands of their innocent and virtuous inhabitants are
involved by means as aforesaid :

" This House taking the matters aforesaid into their serious consideration, do
Resolve, That it be, and it is hereby earnestly recommended to the several towns
in this Colony, to continue cheerfully and liberally to contribute to the relief of
their suffering brethren in said Town, according to the several abilities, which
divine Providence has given them, esteeming it an incumbent duty, and an ac-
ceptable service in the sight of God and their country.

"By order of the House.

"William Williams, Speaker."
4th s. — vol. ii. 3 [Ed.

18 Letter from Wether sfield.

by Captain Israel Williams, (who went last Saturday down
the river,) as you will see by his receipt enclosed, viz., 34|
bushels wheat, 248^ of rye, and 390 of Indian corn, which
small mite, we hope (through the great indulgence of the
commander of your fleets and armies) may be carried in
with safety, and for which we shall pay him the freight, at
one halfpenny per bushel, less than customary, for which he
was so kind as (besides putting in his proportion) to agree
to transport it. The whole, as proposed by the Town,
would amount to the value of twenty or thirty pounds more,
which we hope, after harvest, to be able to collect and send,
and if need be, much more. Earnestly wishing you may
have prudence, wisdom and fortitude, (much of which is
needed,) so to conduct under the many more insults which
we expect will be offered, as to prevent the dreadful conse-
quences of a civil war, and disappoint those at home who,
we verily believe, wish to have verified, those lies that they
have so industriously reported and spread among the people
there — that America is in an actual state of rebellion — and
in confidence you will never give up the glorious cause in
which you have hitherto stood foremost, and for which you
are now only foremost in suffering, unless some measures
be come into, which we doubt not but may, and hope and
trust will be, in the General Congress, (which we rejoice to
find is likely soon to take place,) that shall confound the
enemies of Boston, America and Great Britain, and bring
about a happy issue of the present glorious struggle for
Liberty ; and we trust, notwithstanding the many cruel in-
vectives thrown out by the common enemy, the Bostonians
will be remembered with everlasting honor.

We are, Gentlemen, touched with the most tender sense
of your really distressed situation, your sincere friends in
the common cause, and hearty well-wishers,

Ezekiel Williams, j^Sttl

P. S. We have directed — in conformity to the vote of the
Town appointing us, &c. — To the Selectmen or Overseers
of the Poor in Boston, but have subscribed this to John
Barrett, Esq., as we understand Farmington were directed
to do, in case they sent any grain, some of which they pro-
posed, is now on board Capt. [

Sir,

Reply to Wethersfield. \\)

REPLY TO WETIIERSFIELD.»

Boston, July 29*A, 1774.

Your verv obliging letter of the 25th instant, directed
to the Selectmen or Overseers of the Poor of the Town of
Boston, has been by them communicated to a Committee of
this Town appointed to receive the donation made for the
employment or relief of such inhabitants as arc or may be
more immediate sufferers by the cruel Act of Parliament for
shutting up our harbor. This, at the desire and in the
name of this Committee, I am very gratefully to acknowl-
edge, the generosity of the Town of Wethersfield, in the
donation made by them, for the purpose above mentioned,
consisting of 34| bushels of wheat, 248J of rye, and 390
of Indian corn, which your letter informs is forwarded by
Capt. Israel Williams, and for their kind intentions still
further. They may be assured that their beneficence will
be applied to the purpose for which they have designed it.
This Town is suffering the stroke of ministerial vengeance,
as they apprehend, for the liberties of America, and it
affords them abundant satisfaction to find that they have
the concurrent sentiments of their brethen in the sister
Colonies in their favor, evidenced by the most liberal acts
of munificence for their support. While they are thus
encouraged and supported, I trust they will never be so
ungrateful to their friends, as well [as] so lost to a sense of
virtue, as to " give up the glorious cause." They have need
of wisdom and fortitude to confound the devices of their
enemies, and to endure the hard conflict with dignity.
They rejoice in the approaching general American Con-
gress, and trust that, by the divine direction and blessing,
such measures will be taken as will " bring about a happy

1 Boston, July 28, 1774. " Every part of this extensive continent, as we have
yet heard, appears to be deeply interested in the fate of this unhappy Town.
Many and great are the donations we have already received, and many more we
have good reason to expect. The cry of hunger is not so great as we at first
expected. Even our poorest people have not suffered for the want of bread.
May that Being who hath the heart? of all men in his hands, and who turneth
them as he pleaseth, still dispose our sympathizing brethren to continue their
benefactions, till we are happily relieved from our present difficulties.'"' — Force's
Archives, vol. i. 646. [Ed.

20 Letter from New Jersey.

issue of the present glorious struggle," and secure the
rights of America upon the permanent principles of equal
liberty and truth.

I am, with very great regard to the Gentlemen of yourr
Committee, Sir, your friend and fellow-countryman,

Sam. Adams.

To Ezekiel Williams, Esq., at Wethersfield.

LETTER FROM NEW JERSEY.'

Elizabeth Town, (New Jersey,) 28th July, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The arbitrary and cruel oppression under which your
metropolis now labors, from the suspension of commerce,
must inevitably reduce multitudes to inexpressible difficul-
ties and distress. Suffering in a glorious and common
cause, sympathy and resentment, with peculiar energy, fills
the breasts of your anxious countrymen. As the King of
kings and Ruler of princes seems in a remarkable manner
to be inspiring these Colonies with a spirit of union, to
confound the councils of your unrighteous oppressors, and
with a spirit of humanity and benevolence towards an
innocent and oppressed people, so we trust he will also
inspire your Town with patience, resignation and fortitude,
until this great calamity shall be overpast.

We have the pleasure to acquaint you, that on the 21st

1 The Committee of Correspondence of New Jersey, on the 1st of June, in a
reply to a communication received from Massachusetts, expressed their sympathy
with the people of Boston ; and public meetings were called in different places
throughout the Province, to consider the Port Bill. At a meeting held at New-
ark on the llth of June, it was proposed that meetings should be held in the
Counties to appoint Committees to meet together and take measures for acting
with the other Colonies. — MuJforiTs New Jersey, p. 389. At a meeting of the
inhabitants of Morris County, in Morristown, on the 27th of June, 1774, it was
" Voted, That it is the request of this meeting, that the County Committees, when
met for the purpose aforesaid, do take into their serious consideration the pro-
priety of setting on foot a subscription for the benefit of the sufferers at Boston,
under the Boston Port Bill, above mentioned, and the money arising from such
subscription to be laid out as the Committees so met shall think will best answer
the ends proposed."

At a meeting of the inhabitants of Middlesex County, on the 15th of July,
" Voted, That an immediate subscription be set on foot throughout this County,
towards the relief of the suffering families in the Town of Boston ; " and a
meeting of Committees from the Townships of Monmouth County, on the 19th of
July, expressed "the sincerest sympathy and most cordial commiseration" with

Letter from New Jersey. 'Jl

linst, at the City of New Brunswick, the Province of New
Jersey, with singular unanimity, (72 delegates from the
several Counties, and ;i majority of the Bouse of Repre-
sentatives present and approving,) entered into similar
resolutions with the other Colonies, elected five Deputies for
the proposed Congress, and the County Committees then
agreed to promote collections in their respective Counties for
the relief of such of the unhappy inhabitants of the Town
of Boston, as may be now reduced to extremity and want.
To accomplish this purpose with the more acceptation to
yourselves, we, the Committee of Correspondence for the
Eastern division, request that, by the return of the post, you
Would be pleased to advise us in what way we can best
answer your present necessities — whether cash remitted, or
what articles of provision, or other necessaries we can fur-
nish from hence, would be most agreeable, and which we
hope we shall be able to forward to Boston very soon after
your advice shall be received. We doubt not gentlemen
are devising every possible method for the employment of
those who, by their deplorable situation, are cut off from
all former means of subsistence.

We are, Gentlemen, your very humble servants.

By order. Wm. P. Smith, Chairman.

Be pleased to direct your letter, in answer, to Wm. P. Smith, at Elizabeth
Town, New Jersey.

To the Committee of Correspondence

for the Town of Boston.

their " respectpd brethren" of Boston ; and declared that, " as they expect, under
God, that the final deliverance of America will be owing, in a great degree, to a
continuance of their virtuous struggle, they esteem themselves bound in duty
and interest, to afford them every assistance and alleviation in their power ; "
and they also recommended the Committees of all the Counties to provide for
subscriptions in every part of the Colony.

The meeting of the Committees of the several Counties of New Jersey, was
held at New Brunswick, on the 21st of July, when it was "Resolved, That it
appears to us, to be a duty incumbent on the good people of this Province, to
afford some immediate relief to the many suffering inhabitants of the Town of
Boston. Therefore, the several County Committees do now engage to set on
foot, and promote collections, without delay, either by subscriptions or otherwise,
throughout their respective Counties ; and that they will remit the moneys arising
from the said subscriptions, or any other benefactions, that may be voluntarily
made by the inhabitants, either to Boston, or into the hands of James Neilson,
John Dennis, William Ouke, Abraham Hunt, Samuel Tucker, Dr. Isaac Smith,
Grant Gibbon, Thomas Sinnicks, and John Carey, whom we do hereby appoint a
Committee for forwarding the same to Boston, in such way and manner as they
shall be advised will best answer the benevolent purposes designed." — Ed.

22 Reply to New Jersey.

REPLY TO NEW JERSEY.

Boston, August 22d, 1774.

Sir,

The Committee of Correspondence for this Town haveo
handed to the Committee of Donations a letter from you, j
of 28th ultimo, which breathes such a spirit of union and!
hearty concern for the rights of America, as must enkindle
in every breast the highest opinion of the virtue and firm-
ness of the inhabitants of New Jersey. With hearts deeply
impressed with gratitude, we note your kind intentions to -I
contribute for the relief of the inhabitants of this Town,
suffering by means of the Boston Port Bill, and desire to
know " in what way you can best answer our present
necessities, whether cash remitted or articles of provision."
For answer, if cash should be equally agreeable to our
friends, it would be very acceptable at this time, but would
leave that matter entirely to your convenience. The Chris-
tian sympathy and generosity of our friends through the
continent, cannot fail to inspire the inhabitants of this
Town with patience, resignation and firmness, while we
trust in the Supreme Ruler of the universe, that he will
graciously hear our cries, and in his time free us from our i
present bondage, and make us rejoice in his great salva-
tion. Please to present our grateful acknowledgment to
our friends of New Jersey, and be assured we are, with the
greatest esteem, Sir, your friends and fellow-countrymen,

Nath. Appleton, per order.
Mr. William P. Smith, New Jersey.

LETTER FROM CAPE FEAR. 1

Cape Fear, North Carolina, July 29th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

"We most heartily sympathize with the distressed
inhabitants of the Town of Boston, and take the earliest

1 In North Carolina, subscriptions for the relief of Boston were commenced in
July. A letter in the Boston Gazette of August 22, dated Wilmington, N. C, July
20, states that, in a very short time after a subscription had been opened for the
sufferers by the Port Bill, " a considerable sum was subscribed by several of the

Letter from Cape Fear. '2:1

opportunity to assure tlicm that we consider ourselves as
deeply involved in the misfortunes of that brave people;
We view the attack made by the Minister upon the Colony
of the Massachusetts Bay, to be intended to pave the way
to a general subversion of the constitutional rights of North
America. It becomes, therefore, the duty of every Amer-
ican, avIio is not an apostate to his country, to pursue every
justifiable method that may have a tendency to avert this
impending calamity. The inclosed Resolves speak the sen-
timents of the inhabitants of Cape Fear, and, we are well
assured, of this Province in general. As a testimony of the
lVa sincerity of our professions and good wishes in behalf of
your Town, we have loaded a sloop with provisions, which
we have taken the freedom to address to your care ; and
we request that you will apply them to the support of the
indigent inhabitants of Boston, who, by the late oppressive
Acts of Parliament, are now deprived of the means of pro-
curing their subsistence by their daily labor and honest
industry. Although inconsiderable in its value, yet we
flatter ourselves that, when it is viewed as a testimony of
the heartfelt share we take in the calamity of that Town,
and as an earnest of our zealous endeavors to encourage
them to persist, with prudent and manly firmness, in the

inhabitants of Cape Fear for that charitable purpose. Parker Quince, Esq., of
Brunswick, has upon this occasion, offered a vessel to convey the provisions with-
out a farthing expense to the subscribers, and Captain Budd and his sailors have
agreed to navigate her to Salem gratis."

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the District of Wilmington on the 21st of
July, it was " Resolved, That we consider the cause of the Town of Boston as the
common cause of British America, and the inhabitants thereof as suffering in
the defence of the rights of the Colonies in general ; and that therefore we
have, in proportion to our abilities, sent a supply of provisions for the indigent
inhabitants of that place, thereby to express our sympathy in their sufferings,
and as an earnest of our sincere intentions to contribute, by every means in
our power, to alleviate their distress, and to induce them to maintain, with pru-
dence and firmness, the glorious cause in which they are at present embarked."
A committee, raised at this meeting, addressed to the freeholders of the Prov-
ince a circular letter, in which they tender congratulations, "upon the generous
contribution of the inhabitants, which has put it in our power to load a vessel
with provisions, which will sail this week for the port of Salem." An account,
dated Wilmington, July 27, states that several widow ladies of that town had
contributed very liberally to this object.

The Boston Gazette, of Sept. 5, contains the following extract from a letter
from Wilmington, dated Aug. 2, 1774, addressed to a citizen of Boston:

"As to public matters I shall likewise please you, when I inform you that a
patriotic spirit possesses every bosom, which all ranks of persons seem emulous
to express by actions as well as by words ; even those few from whom another

24 Letter from Cape Fear.

cause in which they now suffer, it will not be thought
altogether unworthy their acceptance.

In behalf of the inhabitants of Cape Fear, North Caro- j
lina, permit us to subscribe ourselves, Gentlemen, your a
most obedient servants,

James Moore.

Geo. Hooper.

H. Howe.

A. Maclaine.

Will. Hooper.

Jno. Ancrum.

Rob't Hogg.

Francis Clayton.
To John Hancock, John Howe, and Samuel Adams, Esquires.

conduct was expected, have surprised the world by a zeal for the service of our
suffering- brethren in Boston, and a liberality in contributing to their relief,
which, till this occasion gave them an opportunity of displaying, scarce any
body supposed them capable of. A subscription having been set on foot for the
support of the Bostonians, (suffering nobly in the common cause of America,) a
very few days, from a few individuals, produced as much as loaded the vessel by
which this letter comes. And by this time, I have no doubt, enough is collected
to load another. Nor is this all ; for there is apparent, in almost every individual,
a proper sense of the injury done to the Colonies, in the tendency of those
oppressive acts of Parliament, and a determined spirit of opposition and resent-
ment Avorthy of a human bosom, in the great cause of liberty.

" A numerous and respectable meeting of the six Counties in the District of
Wilmington has been had, and they have, without one dissenting voice, resolved
upon pursuing every legal and rightful measure, to aid and assist their sister
Colony of the Massachusetts-bay to the utmost of their power, and have sent
expresses to every County in the Province, strictly recommending a subscription
in each of them for the same purpose."

Another letter from Wilmington, dated August 3d, says : " No sooner was a
subscription put about for the relief of our suffering brethren in Boston, than in
a few days I am told two thousand pounds our currency were raised, and it is
expected something very considerable will be contributed at Newbern and Eden-
ton for the same noble purpose, as subscriptions are set on foot in every County
in the Province."

The Provincial Convention of this Colony, held at Newbern, on the 27th of
August, 1774, " Resolved, That the inhabitants of the Massachusetts Province
have distinguished themselves in a manly support of the rights of America in
genera], and that the cause in which they now suffer is the cause of every honest
American, who deserves the blessings which the constitution holds forth to them.
That the grievances, under which the Town of Boston labors at present, are the
effect of a resentment, levelled at them, for having stood foremost in an opposi-
tion to measures, which must eventually have involved all British America in a
state of abject dependence and servitude.

" Resolved, That we view the attempts made by the ministers upon the Town
of Boston, as a prelude to a general attack upon the rights of the other Colonies,
and that upon the success of this depends, in a great measure, the happiness of

Reply to Cape Fear. 28

REPLY TO CAPE PEAK.

Boston, September 1th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Your favor of July 29tli ult., directed to Messrs. Han-
cock, Rowe, and Adams, came to the hands of the Com-
mittee of Donations.

The contents of the bill [of] lading which you inclosed,
are received and landed here, and shall be applied to the
purposes for which they were so generously bestowed. The
fender sympathy and brotherly kindness expressed in your
letter, and so fully evidenced by the very liberal donations
of our worthy and patriotic brethren of Cape Fear, are
truly affecting. Our sincere and grateful acknowledgments
arc justly their due. They will please kindly to accept this
testimony thereof; and may they find, to their everlasting
consolation, the truth of our Lord and Saviour's observation,
that " it is more blessed to give than to receive."

But while we are ready to acknowledge the Christian
charity, yea, munificence, of our friends, Ave should be very
guilty in the sight of God, if we did not explicitly acknowl-
edge his superintending providence and gracious attention
to the state of this distressed Town, manifested by repeated
and seasonable supplies. He has the hearts of kings, and
of all their subjects, in his hand, and no creature can either
help or hurt but by his sovereign direction or permission.
To him, therefore, both givers and receivers are infinitely
obliged, and to him they should render their most humble
and thankful praises. God grant that herein we may all
unite.

It is ordered by God, who can never do any wrong to his
creatures, that Massachusetts in general, and Boston in
particular, should receive the first blow, and feel the weight
of ministerial vengeance/ We have felt the shock. We
feel it still, but we are not yet intimidated ; we remain

America, in its present race and in posterity ; and that therefore it becomes our
duty to contribute, in proportion to our abilities, to ease the burden imposed upon
that Town, for their virtuous opposition to the revenue acts, that they may be
enabled to persist in a prudent and manly opposition to the schemes of Parlia-
ment, and render its dangerous designs abortive." — Ed.

1 III 8. VOI,. II. 1

26 Reply to Cape Fear.

undaunted. Our God supports and sustains us. To him|
we would continue humbly to look for wisdom, direction,
firmness, resolution and success. We hope he has' begun
salvation for us. Our enemy doth not triumph over us.

The cause in which this people are engaged, and which,]
God helping us, we are determined to live and die by, we]
believe to be the cause of truth and righteousness, audi;
must therefore issue well. " Magna est Veritas et [pre-'jval-
ebit." All North America is deeply interested in the cause ;
our political life and death are bound up in the event.
Our union, firmness and prudence, are our strength and
hope, and no less the dread and terror of the enemies of
our civil and religious rights and liberties, and under God
will be our salvation.

But after all, it is not for us to know the times or the
seasons. When these troubles will end, or whether we
shall not be called to yet greater trials, God only knows.
He knows when, and what to do ; and of this we may rest I
satisfied, that he will, by all that takes place, advance his •
own glory and his people's best interest ; and, when he has i
answered the ends of his government in this part of his
most holy and righteous administration, they shall be pro- •
moted to honor, perhaps in this world, certainly in the
next ; but his and his people's implacable enemies shall be \
covered with confusion, and filled with everlasting con-
tempt.

This w T e design by Parker Quince, Esqr., your friend and
ours. A vessel arrived yesterday at Salem, and, it is said,
with thirty-three chests of tea, and a mast-ship expected at
Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, with a very large quan-
tity. What an insult this, upon the whole Continent !
But as Mr. Quince is upon the spot, and doubtless gets
information of what passes, we think it needless to go into
a particular detail thereof, and would refer you to him.

We are, with great affection and esteem,
Gentlemen,

Your very obliged, humble servants,

David Jeffries, ' In behalf of the Com -

mittee of Donations.

To Colonel James Moore and others, a Committee

at Cape Fear, North Carolina.

Reply to Cape Fear. 27

Rhode Island, 1 Aug. If)///, 1774.
Sin,

I arrived here two days past, in a sloop, with pro-
vision for the poor of Boston, and should esteem it a favor
in your advising where will he most suitable to land her
cargo. If it is equally convenient, I think Providence is
the nearest place. I shall keep the sloop here, till I have
the pleasure of a few lines from you by next post, and am,
Sir, your most obedient servant,

P. Quince.
The IlorCble John Hancock, Esq.

Boston, August 22d, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee of Donations have received advice this
day, of a cargo of provisions from North Carolina, arrived
at Newport, waiting for our directions. We have ordered
the master to proceed to Marblehead, and apply to you for
further advice and directions.

This is to ask the favor of you to direct the master, after
regular entry and clearance, to proceed up to Boston, and if
any expense should be incurred by you, your draft on us
shall be immediately honored. The kindness this town
have experienced from our friends of Marblehead, and
especially from you, encourages us to take the freedom.
We hope to persevere under our trials and firmly resist the
hand of oppression, trusting in the Supreme Ruler of the
universe, that he will in his time extricate us from all our
troubles, and we shall yet be a free and happy people.

With the highest esteem and respect,
We are, Gentlemen,

Your very obliged friend and servant,

David Jeffries, j £S2hL

To Colonel Orne.

Mr. Elbridge Gerry, of Marblehead.

1 The four succeeding letters relate to the donation received from Cape Fear.
—Ed.

28 Reply to Cape Fear.

Boston, August 22d, 1774.
Sir,

Colonel Hancock favored the Committee of Donations
with a letter from you, 19th instant, advising of the arrival
of a cargo of provisions from North Carolina, for the relief ]
of our poor, suffering by means of the Boston Port Bill.
Said Committee have this day taken the matter into consid-
eration, and have agreed to request the favor of you to
order the vessel round to Marblehead, and then apply to
Colonel Orne and Mr. Elbridge Gerry, for their advice and
assistance. We stand ready to defray any charges arising
on the same. This Town are deeply affected with the
Christian sympathy and generosity of our friends through
the Continent, and we now, in behalf of the Town, return
our cordial and grateful acknowledgments to our worthy
friends and brethren of Carolina, for this instance of their
readiness to support the common cause of American liberty,
and the relief of this Town, suffering under the cruel hand
of oppression.

Please, Sir, to accept our hearty thanks for the particular
care you have taken in this matter.

We wish you and our brethren of Carolina the best of
Heaven's blessings, and are, with great esteem, your and
their very obliged friends and fellow-countrymen,

"NT A ttt't A ppt -i7TT>Ar ) Chairman pro tempore of the
Hi A 1 H L 2i.rrL.Ll OxM , j Committee of Donations.

Mr. Parker Quince, at Newport.

Boston, Sept. 1th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

It gives me pleasure to find my small endeavors have
met with your approbation, and you may rest assured that
the inhabitants of North Carolina, so far as their senti-
ments could be had at the time I left the Province, beheld
with abhorrence the distresses brought on this Town and
country, by the oppressive Port Bill and others, and unan-
imously resolved to aid and assist, to the utmost of their
power, their suffering brethren in Boston, and to join

Letter from Marblehead. 29

heartily with all the Colonies in seeking redress of their
common grievances.

T am, Gentlemen, your most obliged and very humble
servant,

Parker Quince.

To the Committee of Donations.

LETTER FROM MARBLE HE AD.

Marblehcad, July 30th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The unrighteous conduct of the British Parliament
toward the Town of Boston, in the detested Port Bill,
merits not only the attention, but the warmest resentment of
all America ; and it is with the most cordial satisfaction we
view the greatest part thereof attending to the deplorable
consequences of it, and at the same time unitedly endeavor-
ing to counteract. But, above all, we cannot but express
our sincere approbation of the conduct of the Colonies in
that beneficence and charity towards the unhappy sufferers
at Boston, (by means of that oppressive act,) which has
circulated through the whole. The inhabitants of this
Town, whose circumstances are at present greatly impaired
by a reduction of the fishery, as well as distresses arising
from the small-pox, beg leave, like the widow, to cast in
our mite, which, please to favor by a kind and friendly
acceptance of the same. The donation consists of 224
quintals of good eating fish, such as our inhabitants all of
them use, except those whose circumstances afford them
winter fish, — the price of this, if you should have occasion
to turn into cash, is 1*3/4 at least at this time, and usually
has been at 14/8 per quintal ; one and f casks of olive oil,
one of which we presume you have received ere this can
meet you, and thirty-nine pounds, Hxc shillings and three-
pence in cash. In justice to the characters of some who
signed the address to Mr. Hutchinson, and were probably
misled in that matter, we must acquaint you that Messrs.
Joseph Lee, Jno. Prince, Robert Ambrose, Ilobert Hooper,
Junr., and Joseph Swasey, were subscribers to the dona-

30 Reply to Marblehead.

tions of this Town before mentioned. We truly wish wei
could say that the other barely refused subscribing to so
rational and humane a purpose, but we forbear to pursue
so disagreeable a subject, and shall conclude by wishing:
you that support under a burthen (which our enemies
thought at first view intolerable) which shall finally free
America from its present bondage.

We are, Gentlemen, your friends and fellow-countrymen.
By order and in behalf of the Committee of Correspondence,

John Gerry, Clerk.

P. S. — We would also inform you that we find two more
of the addressers subscribers to the donations, viz. Messrs.
John Webb and John Stimson, and that the carters who
bring this donation most generously do it at half price.

We are, as before, Gentlemen, your friends and fellow-
countrymen. By order and in behalf of the Committee,

J. Gerry, Clerk.

REPLY TO MARBLEHEAD. »

Boston, August 2d, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee for Donations yesterday received your
kind letter, by the hands of Mr. Gatchel, acquainting them
of the very generous present made to the sufferers in this

1 The Boston Gazette of August 1, 1774, has the following- article: — "More
than sixty days have expired, since Boston, by a late Edict of the British Par-
liament, has been besieged by a British fleet and army, and its trade annihi-
lated. The inhabitants now receive that insult and damage, which was never
experienced in the hottest wars we have been engaged in with France and
Spain, and their allies, the savages of the American woods : The particulars of
the siege, and the manoeuvres of our enemies, may in future be told by some
able historian. Suffice it at present to inform the world, that though wood and
provisions have been allowed us by said Port-Act, the introduction of these
articles has been attended with such loss of time and unnecessary charges as
greatly to raise the price of fuel upon the poor inhabitants : No wood can now
be brought from the rivers and bays included in our harbor, upon which we
depended for a considerable part of our supply : No goods of any kind are suf-
fered to be waterborne within a circle of sixty miles : No timber, boards, shin-
gles, bricks, lime, sand, &c. &c, are to be transported from one wharf to another;
and so even the tradesmen, not immediately dependent upon shipping, are thrown
out of business. No barrels of liquors, bread, flour, &c. are suffered to be
brought a few rods in our row boats, or across our shortest ferries ; and even the

Reply to Marblehead. 31

Town by the unrighteous and cruel Act of the British
Parliament, commonly called the Port Bill. They had
before received one barrel of olive oil. Mr. Gatchel de-
livered them £39 Is. 3d. in cash, and this clay the fish in
eleven carts, and the remainder of the oil came to hand.
I am desired by that Committee to express their warmest
gratitude to the gentlemen of Marblehead, who have so
liberally contributed on this occasion, and to assure them
that it will be applied in a manner agreeable to the inten-
tion of the charitable donors.

It was in all probability the expectation of Lord North, the
sister Colonies would totally disregard the fate of Boston,
and that she would be left to suffer and fall alone. Their
united resolution, therefore, to support her in the conflict,
will, it is hoped, greatly perplex him in the further prose-
cution of his oppressive measures, and finally reduce him to
the necessity of receding from them. While we are thus
aided by our brethren, you may depend upon it that we
shall not disgrace the common cause of America, by any
submissions to the barbarous edict. Our inhabitants still
wear cheerful countenances, and they will be supported
by the beneficence of our friends, notwithstanding one
of your addressers meanly, insinuated to a gentleman
of South Carolina, at Salem, yesterday, that they would
receive no benefit from the large donation of rice re-
ceived from that place. Such an intimation discovers a
degree of depravity of heart which cannot easily be ex-

vessels on the stocks, which have for some time past been ready for launching,
cannot be put into the water, without their being exposed to a threatened seizure.
Neither is the dry'd table fish and oil, the charity of our Marblehead friends, nor
rice, the generous present of the Carolinians, nor even house-sand, to be brought
us by water, but must be encumbered with the great charge of about thirty
miles. We are also cut off from the advantage and profit of supplying as usual
an extent of sea-coast on the north and south of more than one hundred leagues,
even with British merchandise. And when any of these hardships and distresses
are mentioned to those insolents in office, the Commissioners and their under-
strappers, we are told it was the design of the Act, and that it is not their intent
to lessen these difficulties : — This is the treatment meted out by a British min-
ister to a Town and Province, by whose exertions in a late war, the strong for-
tress of Louisburgh was taken, which purchased the Peace of Europe, and deliv-
ered Britons from their terrible apprehensions of an invasion by French flat-
tjottomod boats. What, further cruelties we are to suffer wo know not ; but
whether America, or even this single Town, is in this way to be brought to the
feet of Lord North, with the full surrender of their inestimable rights and liber-
tics, time only can determine.— Ed.

32 Letter from New Castle.

pressed. I have received a letter from your [Committee T\ j
to our Committee of Correspondence, which I shall lay!;
before them at their meeting this evening.

I am, in behalf of the Committee of Donations, Gentle-"';
men, your friend and fellow-countryman,

Sam. Adams.

P. S. Mr. Phillips, a carter, with about fifteen quintals!
of fish and the remainder of the oil, is not yet come in, but !
is expected every hour.

The Committee of Correspondence at Marblehead.

LETTER FROM NEW CASTLE. 1

New Castle-on-Delaivare, Aug. 2d, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee of Correspondence chosen by the free-
holders and freemen of the County of Newcastle-upon-Del-
aware, agreeable to a resolution entered into at a general
meeting for the said County, have opened a subscription for
the relief of the poor inhabitants of the Town of Boston,
and met with some success therein ; but as some of the

1 The "Gentlemen Freeholders and others," of the County of New Castle, Del-
aware, were summoned by a circular, dated June 17, 1774, and signed " A Free-
man," to meet at New Castle on the 29th of June, " to consider of the most
proper mode of procuring- relief for our dear countrymen and brethren of Boston,
the redressing the beforementioned grievance, (the legislation of Parliament,)
&c." The meeting on the 29th of June, was presided over by Thomas McKean ;
and by the first resolve it is declared, " We consider our brethren of Boston as
suffering in the common cause of America." A Committee of Correspondence
of thirteen were chosen, who were instructed as follows : " That the said Com-
mittee immediately set on foot a subscription for the relief of such poor inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston as may be deprived of the means of subsistence
by the Act of Parliament, commonly styled the Boston Port Bill ; the money arising
from such subscription to be laid out as the Committee shall think will best an-
swer the ends proposed." On the 20th of July, the inhabitants of Kent county
met at Dover, and adopted the above cited resolve. On the 23d of July, the
inhabitants of Sussex county met at Lewistown, and passed resolves, among which
is the following: "Resolved, That the Committee hereinafter appointed, are hereby
desired to receive the subscriptions of such charitable persons in this county,
who shall incline to contribute towards the distressed and suffering inhabitants

Letter from New Castle. 33

inhabitants, as well as the Committee, are apprehensive that
more provisions may be sent to you than may be wanted
for the purpose intended, and money or raw materials might
answer better, we are desirous, before any remittance is
made, to know your sentiments hereon. The Committees
of Correspondence for the Counties of Kent and Sussex,
have adopted the same measures with us, and expect your
answer also. If you are pleased to inclose your letters for
them to us, we shall take care to forward them.

We shall be greatly obliged to you, to furnish us with
an estimate of the number of poor inhabitants in your
Town, who may be distressed by means of the humane Bos-
ton Port Bill, and what sum might be necessary to relieve
them annually.

We are, Gentlemen, with the utmost regard, your fellow-
subjects and brethren, the Committee of Correspondence
for the County of Newcastle,

And your most obedient, humble servants,

Thomas McKean.
John Evans.
John McKinly.
James Latimer.
George Head.
Alex'r Porter.
George Monro.

The Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Boston.

of the Town of Boston ; and that the money raised by such subscriptions be dis-
posed of by the said Committee for the use of the said" inhabitants, whom we con-
sider as suffering in the common cause of America."

On the 1st of August, the Committees of the three Counties, pursuant to a
Circular Letter from the Speaker of the House, met at New Castle, in Conven-
tion. Caesar Rodney was the Chairman. On the 2d of August, the Convention
passed a series of resolutions, one of which was the following: — "That it is the
indispensable duty of all the Colonies, not only to alleviate the unexampled dis-
tresses of our brethren of Massachusetts Bay, who are suffering in the common
cause of America, but to assist them, by all lawful means, in removing their griev-
ances, and for re-establishing their constitutional rights, as well as those of all
America, on a solid and permanent foundation."

A County Convention, held at New Castle, on the 21st of December, "Re-
solved, unanimously. That contributions from this County, for supplying the
necessities and alleviating the distresses of our brethren in Boston, ought to be
continued in such manner and so long as their occasions may require ; and that
it is the duty of the Committee of Correspondence of the said County, to collect
and transmit the same as soon as possible." — Ed.

4tii s. — vol. iv. 5

34 Reply to New Castle.

REPLY TO NEW CASTLE.

Boston, August 25th, 1774.

Gentlemen,

Your favor of 2d instant came to the hands of the
Committee of Correspondence this week, and was by them'!
handed to the Committee of Donations for an answer.

The state of this once flourishing and highly favored i|
metropolis, is truly affecting, and we may say alarming ;
for Boston, though first struck at and oppressed, will hardly '
be the only Town, or Massachusetts the only Province, that I
shall feel the weight of ministerial vengeance. The Town]
really feels it at this present time, as it already hath almost
three months, but, through the goodness of our God, who -
has all hearts in his hand, and can encourage and strength- j
en, or depress and intimidate as he pleaseth, we remain
firm and undaunted, and through the kind influence of the
same Infinite goodness and Almighty power, we shall go
on and persevere, until we, though more immediate suffer-
ers, and all our friends and brethren on this widely extended j
continent, shall reap the fruits, the happy fruits of our
faith and patience, our zeal and firmness in the glorious
cause of truth, righteousness and freedom.

It seems somewhat difficult for us to determine whether '
the oppression and cruelty of the Boston Port Bill, or the i
Christian sympathy and liberality of our dear friends and i
countrymen, (particularly in New Castle,) be most affecting. .
We must sum up what we have to offer on this head by
saying, that you have greatly refreshed our spirits, and !
strengthened our hands, and we hope we shall not do any
thing that shall incur a forfeiture of the love, confidence
and affection of our brethren in New Castle and elsewhere. ,
Your letter lays us under an additional obligation, by an
implicit offer to furnish us with cash or raw materials, after
having heard from us. ' Tis a well known saying, that
" money answers all things ;" and yet, so it happens, some-
times, that some particular articles cannot be had for money.
Either cash, iron, hemp or flax, may be sent, as our friends
shall find most convenient. It is not easy, on first thought,
nor indeed after considerable inquiry, to say with any

Letter to Kent Count*/. 3S

degree of precision, what may be " the number of poor
inhabitants distressed by means of the Boston Port Bill,
and what sum might be necessary to relieve them annn-
ally."

Tims much we can say, that before the Port Bill, the
annual charge for support of the Towns poor was about
twenty-four hundred pounds, our lawful money. But the
number of the poor, by means of the humane Port Bill, is
doubtless increased in a twofold, if not threefold propor-
tion, and considerable numbers, who, three months ago,
Jived very comfortably, arc now spending on the little they
had laid up against a rainy day, but have not yet made
their cases known.

"We have not time to add, save to request your acceptance
of our most grateful acknowledgments for such expressions
of benevolence and generosity ; and that you will daily
supplicate the throne of grace, that God would show us
his mercy, and cause us to rejoice in his great salvation.

We are, with great esteem, Gentlemen,

Your much obliged, humble servants,

Dayid Jeffries, per order.

P. S. — You will please to transcribe so much of this
letter, and forward our brethren of Kent and Sussex Coun-
ties, as you may think proper.

To Thomas McKean, Esqr., and others,

Committee of Correspondence for New Castle.

— - 1169692

LETTER TO KENT COUNTY.

Boston, August 2oth, 1774.
Gentlemen,

A very kind, affectionate, sympathizing letter from the
Committee of Correspondence for New Castle, Delaware,
dated August 2d inst, has this week come to hands of the
Committee of Donations, through the Committee of Corres-
pondence for this Town, to w r hom said letter w r as directed.
The Committee of Delaware write that " the Committee of

36 Letter to Kent County.

Correspondence for the Counties of Kent and Sussex,"
have adopted the same measures with them, and expect our
answers also ; and, that if we are pleased to inclose our
letters for you, to them, they shall take care to forward
them.

As we are straitened for time, we hope you will excuse
us if we refer you in part to our letter to said Committee
for Newcastle, Delaware, and transcribe some part nearly
of what we wrote to them, as follows : Your letter lays us
under an additional obligation, by an implicit offer to fur-
nish us with cash or raw material, after having learned from
us. ' Tis a well known saying, that " money answers all
things," and yet, so it happens, sometimes, that some articles
cannot be had for money. Either cash, iron, hemp, or flax,
may be sent, as our friends shall find most convenient. It
is not easy to say, with any degree of precision, what may
be the " number of poor inhabitants distressed by means
of the Boston Port Bill, and what sum may be necessary
to relieve them annually."

Thus much we can say, that before the Port Bill, the
annual charges for support of the Town's poor,' were about
twenty-four hundred pounds, lawful money, but the number
of poor by means of the humane Port Bill, is doubtless in-
creased in a twofold, if not threefold proportion, and, con-
siderable numbers who three months ago lived very com-
fortably, are now spending on the little they had laid up
against a rainy day, but have not made their cases known.

We have not time to add, save to request your acceptance
of our most grateful acknowledgment for such expressions
of benevolence and generosity ; and that you will daily
supplicate the throne of grace, that God would show us
his mercy, and cause us to rejoice in his great salvation.

We are, with great esteem, Gentlemen,

Your much obliged, humble servant,

David Jeffries, per order.
To the Committee of Correspondence for the County of Kent.

N. B. — A copy of this letter was sent to the County of
Sussex, on Delaware.

Letter to Brookjield. 31

LETTER TO BROO K F I ELD.

Boston, August 3rf, 1774.

Sir,

The Committee appointed by this Town to receive
donations for the relief of our poor, suffering by the

shutting up this port, have this day received by the hands
of Mr. Roger Willington, Si Imshels of rye and 10 bushels
Indian corn, as a donation from several gentlemen of
Brookfield ; but as we received no letter advising us who
we are particularly obliged to for this kind present, we
take this opportunity to request you will please to return
the sincere thanks of this Town to all those Gentlemen
that contributed towards this donation. We esteem it a
confirmation of that union and friendship which subsists
at this time, and is of the utmost importance to secure
the rights and liberties of this Province and indeed of all
America. We shall endeavor to distribute the donations
of our friends to the best advantage to promote industry
and harmony in this Town. Wishing you the rewards
that attend the generous,

We are, with great respect and gratitude, Sir, your
friends and servants,

Sam. Adams.

Mr. Joseph Gilbert, of Broolcjield.

LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE.

Boston, August 3c/, 1774.
Gentlemen,

You are desired by the Committee of the Town of
Boston, appointed to receive and distribute the donations
for the employment and relief of the sufferers by the Bos-
ton Port Bill, to ship one hundred casks of the rice ship-
ped from South Carolina for that purpose, now at Salem,
to this Town, and to sell the remainder, or any part of it,
for cash, if you can, at a suitable price.

By order of the Committee,

Edw'd L'd Sanders, Clerk.
Capt. Fortisque Verizon, and Mr. Thomas Crafts, Jun.

38 Letter from Baltimore.

LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.'

Baltimore, Aug. 4:th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

By order of the Committee of Correspondence for this ij
Town, we have shipped on board the sloop America, Per-
kins Allen, master, three thousand bushels of corn, twenty
barrels of rye flour, two barrels of pork, and twenty barrels \
of bread, for the relief of our brethren, the distressed in-
habitants of your Town, being in virtue of a subscription
raised by the inhabitants of Baltimore Town, on that
account.

1 In Maryland, the intelligence of the passage of the Port Bill, excited general
indignation. On the 18th of May, at a meeting of " a number of gentlemen "
at Talbot Court House, it was resolved to unite with their fellow-subjects in any j
constitutional way " to avert the evils " threatened Boston, by this Act. On the
25th of May, a meeting of " the inhabitants of the city of Annapolis," resolved
" it was the unanimous opinion of this meeting, that the Town of Boston is now
suffering in the common cause of America." Charles Carroll, William Paca,
and Samuel Chase, were of the Committee chosen at this meeting.

Public meetings were subsequently held in all the Counties. On the 30th of
May, the inhabitants of Queen Anne's County declared " that they look upon the
cause of Boston, in its consequences, to be the common cause of America." On
the 2d of June, the inhabitants of Kent County, met at Chestertown ; chose
a large Committee of Correspondence ; and directed this Committee to select
delegates to meet the delegates from the other Counties, " in one grand Provin-
cial Committee" at Annapolis. The official account of this meeting reads: —
" The gentlemen of the Committee, being moved with the most tender sympathy
for their suffering brethren of Boston, particularly of the laboring poor, who are
deprived of the means of supporting themselves and families, by the operation of
the Act for blocking up their harbor, opened a subscription for their relief, which
in a short time was filled up to a considerable amount, and is left in the hands of
the chairman to be collected and shipped to them in such articles of provisions as
may be most wanted, whenever it shall be necessary." At a meeting of the
inhabitants of Harford County, on the 11th of June, it was " Voted, That we will
join in an association of the other Counties, to send relief to the poor and dis-
tressed inhabitants of Boston, to enable them firmly to persevere in defence of
the common cause."

The Essex Gazette of June 27, contains the following extract from a letter
written by a member of the Chestertown Committtee, dated 7th June, 1774 : —
" The Inhabitants of this County had a general meeting the second instant, and
it gave much pleasure to see how heartily they sympathized with Boston.
Twenty-five gentlemen were appointed a Committee of Correspondence, among
whom I have the honor to be named. After the business was over, a subscription
was proposed to the Committee, which was most cheerfully adopted, and they
subscribed, some £20, others £10, and none less than £5, to be laid out in pro-
visions, and forwarded for the use of such poor people as are reduced to necessity
by the cruel hand of oppression. My advice was to send off a load of corn,
without giving any notice of it, which I concluded would be an agreeable sur-
prise to Boston. Words are said to be cheap, but it is universally allowed, that

Letter from Baltimore, ;>!)

Tn the l)ill of lading for said articles, is also included

one thousand bushels of corn, which wo have purchased
and shipped for the same account, on the strength of a
subscription now making by the inhabitants of Annapolis,
which a gentleman of their Committee has assured us
should be paid to us, when their collections are made. As
there was spare room in the vessel, we were glad of an
opportunity of furthering to you a part of their benevolent
intentions. We flatter ourselves the good people of this
Province, who have in general discovered a hearty disposi-
tion to sympathy in your grievances, will generously con-
tribute, according to their articles, to maintain and support

when a man parts with his money, he is in earnest. Subscription papers are sent
out into the country, and I dare say will be filled up to a large amount. Those
who cannot give money, can give corn. The people of Boston need not be
afraid of being starved to a compliance. If they will only give a short notice,
they may make their Town the granary of America. We all hope they will
stand to their integrity, and not sully the honor which they have so justly
acquired."

The Committees appointed by the several Counties of Maryland, met at
Annapolis, ninety-two in number, on the 2'2d of June, and chose Matthew
Tilgham chairman. The proceedings of this Convention appear at length in the
Essex Gazette of July 11), under the head of, " Resolves of the whole Province
of Maryland." The first resolve declares, " that the Town of Boston and Prov-
ince of Massachusetts are now suffering in the common cause of America."
The eighth resolve is as follows : " Resolved, unanimously. That a subscription
be opened in the several Counties of this Province, for an immediate collection
for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of Boston, now cruelly deprived of the
means of procuring subsistence for themselves and families, by the operation of
the said Act for blocking up their harbor, and that the same be collected by the
Committees of the respective Counties, and shipped by them in such provisions

i may be thought most useful."

The following letter, taken from Force's Archives, vol. i. p. 504, purports to be
| From the Committee of Boston, to the Committee of Baltimore."

Boston, Juhj Id, 1774.

Gentlemen : — Your important letter of the 27th ultimo, with the inclosures,
came safe to hand, and were regarded as " good news from a far country." The
part taken by the Province of Maryland, must henceforth stop the mouths of
those blasphemers of humanity, who have affected to question the existence of
public virtue. So bright an example as you have set, cannot fail to animate and
encourage even the lukewarm and indifferent ; more especially such honest men
as wish to be assured of support before they engage in so weighty an enterprise.

The account you give us of the spirit and magnanimity of the people of Vir-
ginia, confirms us in the opinion we have ever had of that ancient Colony, of
whose disinterested virtue this Province has had ample experience. The noble
sacrifice you stand ready to make, of the staple commodity of your Province, so
materially affecting the revenue of Great Britain, and your generous interposi-
tion in onr favor, have our warmest acknowledgments. So much honor, wis-
dom, public and private virtue ; so much readiness in every Colony, to afford
every species of aid and assistance that the suffering state requires, must evince

40 Letter from Baltimore.

every sufferer in your and their common cause. If we can
be in the least instrumental in furthering any contributions
made in favor of your inhabitants, it will give us the most
sincere pleasure, and some opportunity of exercising the
grateful sense of many obligations which, as individuals, we
are under to many good people of your Province. We are,
with the highest respect,

Gentlemen, your most humble servants,

Sam'l and Rob't Purviance.

Committee of Correspondence in the Town of Boston.

[Per the slocp America, Captain P. Allen.]

to a venal herd, that notwithstanding they may be utterly unacquainted with the
meaning of the word patriotism, it has,, however, a substantial existence in North
America. With the smiles of an all-governing Providence upon the vigorous
efforts of our inestimable brethren at home and abroad, we promise ourselves a
final deliverance from the calamities we are now subjected to ; and which, for
our own, our country, and posterity's political salvation, we resolve, by God's
assistance, to sustain with fortitude and patience.

We are, Gentlemen, your friends and fellow-countrymen. I
Signed by order,

William Cooper, Town Clerk.

The Essex Gazette of August 16, has the following article, dated Baltimore,
Maryland, July 16. " A vessel, we hear, hath sailed from the eastern shore of
this Province, with a cargo of provisions, as a free gift to our besieged brethren
at Boston. The inhabitants of all the Counties of Virginia and Maryland, are
subscribing with great liberality for the relief of the distressed Towns of Boston
and Charlestown. The inhabitants of Alexandria, we hear, in a few hours, sub-
scribed £350, for that noble purpose. Subscriptions are opened in this Town,
for the support and animation of the inhabitants of Boston, under their present
great conflict for the common freedom of us all, which have already been so suc-
cessful, that a vessel is now loading with provisions for that place, as a testimony
of the affection of this people towards their persecuted brethren, now bravely
contending against ' fraud, power, and the most odious oppression,' which God
grant may never rise triumphant over 'right, justice, social happiness and free-
dom.' "

At a meeting of the Deputies appointed by the several Counties of Maryland,
at Annapolis, on the 8th of December, 1774, it was unanimously "Resolved,
That contributions from the several Counties of this Province, for supplying the
necessities and alleviating the distresses of our brethren at Boston, ought to be
continued in such manner, and so long, as their occasions may require ; and that
it is the duty of the Committees of each County, to collect and transmit the same
as soon as possible." And this recommendation was responded to by public
meetings in some of the Counties.

The inhabitants of Charles County, on the 2d of January, 1775, directed their
Committee " to collect the subscriptions already made to the Town of Boston,
and also to obtain such additional subscriptions for the relief of the brave suf-
ferers in that distressed Town, as can be got, and that the whole may be made
in readiness to be sent as soon as possible." — Ed.

Letter from Beverly. 41

LETTER FROM BEVERLY.

Beverly, August 8th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We condole you on this important era, and shudder
when we think on the savage treatment of our metropolis
llfrom the parent State. Our earnest desire is, that you and
Ball the inhabitants of Boston may have that fortitude, reso-
Iftution, firmness and calmness necessary on this most alarm-
fcng crisis, that you may hold on and hold out to the last.
jAVe hope you will, from time to time, receive such aids and
ft I supports from your Christian brethren on the continent, as
J will both enable and encourage you thereto. We think,
Gentlemen, as you are placed in the front rank, if you
flinch, all will be over. Stand firm, and let your intrepid
courage show the world you are men and Christians, who
contend earnestly for the liberties once granted to this
Province by charter. We rejoice to hear there is such a
spirit prevailing in the country in general, in sending such
supplies for the poor of Boston, which we doubt not will
be great consolation to you ; and will continue until a
redress of all our grievances are obtained. We are waiting
impatiently for the result of the Congress, which we hope
will have a happy tendency to cement the Colonies as one
man, in those ways and means that shall be conducive of
their freedom, and deliverance from worse than Egyptian
bondage, — unity being the only means, in our opinion, to
obtain that happy event. We recommended to our Town
the case of the poor of the Town of Boston, and they col-
lected a small donation, which we have sent. We have
this day met, in town meeting, for the purpose of raising
money for defraying the expense of the Congress, which
was voted nem. con., and forthwith to be transmitted to
the Honorable Tho's Gushing, Esqr., agreeable to the
resolves of the late House of Representatives. This con-
duct of our Town, w T e hope, w r ill convince all that we
are sincerely engaged in the cause of our Constitutional

4th s. — vol. iv. G

42 Letter from Lebanon.

Liberty, and that we shall comply with the result of the
Congress.

We are, Gentlemen, your friends and fellow-sufferers ins
the cause. By order of the Committee of Correspondence,

Sam'l Goodridge, Clerk.

P. S. — We have received several letters from you — the
last bears date, July 26, 1774 — and still desire corres-
pondence.

To the Committee of Correspondence for Boston.

LETTER FROM LEBANON.

Lebanon, Aug. 8th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Province of the Massachusetts Bay, and the Town
of Boston, (in our opinion,) are entitled to the most grate-
ful thanks of all English America, for the very important
part they have acted in the first settlement of this country,
and for their noble and costly exertions, and the copious
effusion of their blood in its defence, against her innumer-
able Indian and French enemies.

The King and nation of Great Britain are also indebted
to you for the great hand you have had in enlarging the
dominions of the one, and greatly increasing the beneficial
commerce of the other, and neither the one, nor the other,
of those services, would ever have been effected, but by the
influence of that very spirit of liberty at which the B . . h
Adm ... on seem so enraged, and are so determined to
crush. You have borne your burdens and struggles with-
out their aid, with the instruments of culture in one hand,
and the weapons of war in the other, for necessary defence
while laboring for daily bread, and subduing the rugged
soil. Your toils and your perils would have been abso-
lutely insupportable, but for the all-cheering influence of
the heaven-born maid, that spirit and thirst of religious
and civil liberty, which inspired your and our fathers with
divine enthusiasm to attempt, (and blessed be the Lord who

Letter from Lebanon. 43

enabled them,) to accomplish the wonders which our eyes

behold.

You had the most cogent reasons to believe that a nation
renowned throughout the world for its strong and inviolable
attachments to, and manly struggles in defence of liberty,
would never suffer that inestimable jewel, for which they
themselves have shod rivers of blood, to be wrested from
you by the 4 hand of violence, and more especially as it
would lay a sure foundation for the destruction of their
own remaining privileges, and for the vast diminution or
total loss of their immensely beneficial American com-
merce.

Strange also that a K . . possessed of any just and
humane sentiments, should be so regardless of the merits
and rights of h . s American, and the interest and welfare
of his B . . h su . j . ts, as to attempt to rend out of the
hands of the former, all the fruits of their unparalleled
sufferings and hardships, for the pleasure of rul . . g over
the bodies of slaves, instead of rei . . ng in the hearts of
freemen most willing to be his loy .1 s . b . . ts forever,
according to the Constitution of his C . . n and K . . m,
and even at the immense hazard of obtaining by force, at
most, far less than what the C . . n and K . . m might
continue to receive by our free consent.

But such is the astonishing infatuation of the times, that
the lust of ty . . ny is revived, and risen high in G. B., and
liberty is to be hunted from the globe and quit the dwell-
ings of men.

A more finished and perfect definition and picture of
D . po . sm cannot be drawn by the skill of man, than is
portrayed in the famous Declar . . ry B . 11 or A . t of the

B . . h P t, passed a few years since, nor can that

be carried into more complete and perfect execution, (save
in extent of its operation only,) than by that prodigy of
op . . n and inj . . ce, the Boston Port Bill, and by two
other Acts dis . . tr . ng the ancient Charter and Constitu-
tional rights of your Colony.

Well might the short sighted M . . r think, the blows
were so sudden and severe, had done the work, and that
unless blood and dismal carnage prevented, he had effectu-
ally subjugated you, and that the rest would fall an easy
prey.

44 Letter from Lebanon.

But he was totally ignorant of your and the virtuous^
spirit and knowledge of America, while he confidently
believed that you would first lie down and kiss his feet, and
that the rest would patiently see you in that humble pos-
ture, and deem you solely aimed at, and justly punished fori
suffering the destruction of private property in your harbor,
and some paltry wretches to be dressed in tar and feathers.
But America sees with other eyes, and perfectly knows that
you are only designed for the first victim in the hecatomb
of sacrifice to be offered to the G . d of op . . s . on, and
will not therefore willingly suffer you to bleed at the
shrine of his brazen altar, until we all bleed and die to-
gether.

This Town, sensible of the extreme distress to which
multitudes of your innocent, virtuous inhabitants are, must,
and were intended to be reduced by the aforesaid Act, caus-
ing an almost total stagnation of business by which they
procured their daily bread, and as a token of our most
cordial sympathy, under your unparalleled sufferings in the
common cause of American liberty, have, by voluntary
subscriptions, cheerfully sent you, as we compute them,
three hundred and seventy-six fat sheep for the relief of'
those who are most unable to support themselves and fam-
ilies, in your distressed situation, which we hope you will
receive in good condition by the trusty hands of Capt.
Elijah Hyde, one of the subscribers, with the friendly
assistance of Mr. Titus Richardson and Eben'r West. We
have also on hand, for the same purpose, which could
not be now conveniently sent, about or near the value of
thirty pounds, lawful money, which we shall soon send in
beef cattle. We dare also encourage you to expect that
this Town will repeat their quota of assistance, as long as
your distresses continue, and we have any property at our
own disposal.

We earnestly wish you to hold on, and hold out, in
the virtuous resolution and firmness which inspired your
fathers, and are conspicuous in you, and to wait and hope,
in a prudent and a patient use of proper means, and with
a truly religious trust in God, for his salvation, whose
wonders for us have heretofore been marvelous in our
eyes.

Selectmen

of
Lebanon.

Letter from Norwich. tfl

We arc, Gentlemen, with tender feelings for your cruel
) r bufferings in the best and most important cause, its hearty
(friends, and yours, with great esteem,

Wm. Williams,
Velch Williams,
Jon a. Trumbull, Jun'r.
Elijah Hyde, Jun'r.
James Pennio, Jun'r.
Pelatiaii Marsh,

P. S. — The doings of our town meeting the 18th of July,
in consequence of which our small collection is made,
being inserted in the New London Gazette of the next
week, we beg leave to refer you [to] that, if it should be
thought worthy of your attention.

As you have printed some letters, &c., if any of this
should be thought worthy of notice, (which we don't de-
sire,) and as the issue of things is not absolutely certain,
and this town the residence of the Governor, &c, please
to let it stand as anonymous, and be entire, ending with
" bleed and die together." The remainder you may do
with as you please.

To John Scollay, Esq., Hon, John Hancock, Esq., and the rest
of the Selectmen of the Town of Boston.

LETTER FROM NORWICH.

Norwich, August, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We received your kind favor of 11th ult., subscribed
by S. Adams, in your behalf, in answer to ours respecting
the small donation proposed by the inhabitants of this
Town, for the employment or relief of such inhabitants of
the Town of Boston as may become sufferers by means of
the Boston Port Bill, part of which we now forward you
per Messrs. Bishop, Call, Lefnngwell, and Bishop, being
two hundred and ninety-one sheep, which [wc] wish safe
to hand. "What other collections may be made, shall for-
ward hereafter. We should be glad to know, as nearly as

46 Reply to Norwich.

may be, the true state of affairs with you, (especially) if
any thing materially different from what we see published
in the weekly papers ; and that you would write us per
return of the gentlemen who drive the sheep.

We are, with much esteem, Gentlemen, your assured
friends and fellow-countrymen, in behalf of the Committee, \

Christo. Leffingwell.

To William Phillips, Esq., Merchant, Boston.

REPLY TO NORWICH.

Boston, August 21th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Your letter, with the two hundred and ninety-one
sheep, were received safely, and met with a very hearty
welcome. We have good reason to think that our oppres-
sors begin to see their mistake, and that they will ere long
be convinced that Americans are not to be fritted or
wheedled out of their rights. The arm of a tyrant is never
supported by justice, and therefore must fall. Mr. Gage is
executing the late Acts of Parliament, in their several
branches, to the best of his ability. He is furnished with
a council who will be careful (as their existence depends on
the will of his master) to study his inclination, and to act
every thing in conformity to his pleasure. We don't
expect justice from them, and have no hopes that they will
be guided by the laws of equity, or the dictates of con-
science. Certainly men who will serve such an adminis-
tration as the present, and suffer themselves to be promoted
at the expense of the charter of their country, must be
destitute of every idea of right, and ready instruments to
introduce abject slavery. Mr. Gage may issue his precepts,
and his council may sanctify them, his juries may give ver-
dicts, and an unconstitutional and venal bench may pass
judgments, but what will this avail, unless the people will
acquiesce in them. If the people think them unconstitu-
tional, of what importance are their determinations. Solus
populi supremo lex esto, is a precious old maxim. The
ministry have forgot it, but the people are determined to
remember it.

Letter from Groton. 47

We consider a suspension of trade through the continent
with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, as the
grand machine that will deliver us. If this should fail,
we must then have recourse to the last resort. As yet we
^ have been preserved from action with the soldiery, and we
shall endeavor to avoid it until we see that it is necessary,
and a settled plan is fixed on for that purpose. The late
Acts of Parliament are such gross infringements on us,
that our consciences forbid us to submit to them. We
think it is better to put up with some inconvenience, and
pursue with patience the plan of commercial opposition,
as it will be more for the honor and interest of the conti-
nent, as well as more consistent with the principles of
humanity and religion.

Mr. Gage finds himself very unequal to the task that
is set him, and is at a loss for measures. He sees and is
astonished at the spirit of the people. He forbids their
town meetings, and they meet in counties. If he prevents
county meetings, we must call provincial meetings, and if
he forbid these, we trust that our worthy brethren on the
continent, and especially of the Town of Norwich, in Con-
necticut, will lend us their helping arms in time of danger,
and will be no less conspicuous for their fortitude than they
now are for their generosity.

We have nothing important to inform you of besides
what you see in the public papers. Should any thing
worthy your notice take place, we shall gladly communi-
cate it to you.

We are, Gentlemen,

Your grateful friends and humble servants,

T rkCT ^, T)T r W\t>t?t?xt S Per order the Com-
J US.b-F.ri VV AKK.L1N , j m i ttee f Donations.

To the Gentlemen, the Committee of the Town of Norwich.

LETTER FROM GROTON.

Groton in Connecticut, lOth August, 1774.
Gentlemen,

You have here inclosed, the Resolutions of this Town,
which were unanimously agreed to. The inhabitants are

4:8 Letter from Groton.

truly patriotic, and firmly fixed to assist and support their
American brethren against all attacks made on the liberties
of our Constitution. We, their Committee of Correspond-
ence, have authority to assure you that the cause in which
you are now suffering (under the tyranny of an unprece-
dented and cruel Act of Parliament) is here considered,
universally, as an attack upon us all, though the vengeance
of the present ministry is levied particularly at your Port
and Province at this time. It gives us particular satisfac-
tion to find so great a majority of true friends to iVmerican
freedom in your patriotic Town, and that you persevere
with such fortitude, under the persecuting hand of tyranny.
It must be some alleviation, in your distress, to find your
brethren in this and the other sister Colonies contributing
to the relief of the indigent with you. We flatter our-
selves no Colony will extend their liberality to you to ex-
ceed this, and it is with real satisfaction, we have the
pleasure to inform you that the worthy inhabitants of this
Town have subscribed to pay and deliver to us, sufficient
to purchase one hundred and twenty fat sheep, and six fat
cattle, to be forwarded to the Selectmen or Overseers of
the Poor with you, to be by them distributed as their pru-
dence shall direct. We shall therefore be glad to be in-
formed at what time it will be most convenient for your
people to receive said donation, which shall be sent you on
advice. We promise ourselves (from many of the char-
acters we see appointed to compose the intended Congress)
that the most salutary plan will be recommended, and by
us all religiously adhered to, which cannot fail to procure
us relief from the oppression we are attacked and threat-
ened with — as some with you, no doubt, would gladly sug-
gest and propagate that Doct. Johnson, not accepting that
important trust when he was appointed thereto, was that
he disapproved of the method for redress we are pursuing.
To give you authority to contradict such evil and ill-
grounded insinuations, if any, we here inclose you the copy
of a Letter one of your Committee lately received from the
Clerk of our Colony's Committee of Correspondence, set-
ting that matter in its true light.

The Committee of Correspondence have since appointed
the Hon. Poger Sherman, Esq. to supply Doctor Johnson's
place, and in case he cannot attend, Joseph Trumbull, Esq.

()

Reply to Groton. 49

son of his Honor our Governor. We shall always think
irselyes happy to contribute, to the utmost of our ability,
whatever may be of service in tin 4 grand cause 1 for which
we now contend; and it will give us pleasure to correspond
with you thereon.

Being with much esteem, Gentlemen,

Your very obedient, humble servants,

William Ledyard.
Thomas Mumford.
Ben a dam Gallup.
Amos Prentice.
Charles Eldridge, Jun'r.
John Hurl but.
Amos Geer.

To the Committee of Correspondence at Boston.

REPLY TO GROTON.

Boston, August \Zth\ 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee of Correspondence for this Town,
handed to us, who are a Committee for receiving Dona-
tions and employing the suffering poor, by means of the
Port Bill, your favors of the 10th Last., enclosing Mr. Silas
Dean s letter, accounting for Dr. Johnson's declining to
attend the Congress, which gives us satisfaction. And also
the votes of the Town of Groton, which greatly refresh
our spirits, and confirm us in our resolutions not tamely to
resign any of the American rights. But it is our particu-
lar department to acknowledge, in behalf of this Town,
our great obligations to our friends of Groton, for their
generous subscriptions for the relief of our suffering poor,
whose support must otherwise, at this time of general
stagnation of business, have fallen extremely heavy upon
those of property among us. We note your purpose to
send us one hundred and twenty fat sheep and six fat

4th s. — VOL. TV. .7

50 Letter from Brooklyn.

cattle, and desire to be informed at what time it will be
most convenient to receive said donation. For answer, we
would refer the time of receiving this generous and disin-
terested bounty of our friends, to their own convenience.

Be assured of our sincere prayers to the Sovereign Dis-
poser of all events, that our benefactors at Groton and
elsewhere may forever enjoy the rewards of the virtuous.

We are, your friends and humble servants,

Nath'l Appleton.

William Ledyard, Esqr., of the Committee of Correspondence in
Groton, Connecticut.

LETTER FROM BROOKLYN.

Brooklyn in Pomfret, August ll^A, 1774.

Gentlemen,

With our hearts deeply impressed with the feelings of
humanity towards our near and dear brethren of Boston,
who are now suffering under a ministerial, revengeful hand,
and at the same time full of gratitude to the patriotic in-
habitants, for the noble stand which they have made against
all oppressive innovations, and with unfeigned love for all
British America, who must, if Boston is subjugated, alter-
nately fall a prey to ministerial ambition, send you one hun-
dred and twenty-five sheep, as a present from the inhabi-
tants of the parish of Brooklyn, hoping thereby you may
be enabled to stand more firm (if possible) in the glorious
cause in which you are embarked, notwithstanding the
repeated, unheard of daring attacks, which the British Par-
liament are making upon the rights which you ought to
enjoy as English-born subjects ; and if so, we shall of con-
sequence contribute our mite towards the salvation of
British America, which is all our ambition.

In zeal in our country's cause, we are exceeded by none ;
but our abilities and opportunities do not admit of our
being of that weight in the American scale as we would to
God we were.

Letter from Brooklyn. 5]

We mean, in the first place, to attempt to appease the
fire (raised by your committing the India Tea to the watery
element as a merited oblation to Neptune) of an ambitious
and vindictive 4 minister, by the blood of rams and of lambs ;
if that do not answer the end, we arc 4 ready to march in the
Tan, and to sprinkle the American altars with our hearts'
blood, if occasion should be.

The latent seeds of destruction which arc implanted in
the constitution of almost every state or empire, have
grown in England, in these last nine years, with amazing
rapidity, and now are mature for harvest ; and ere long we
shall see reapers flocking from all parts of Europe, who
will sweep their fields with the besom of destruction.
This thought occasions a cloud of melancholy to arise in
the breast of every descendant from Britain, which is only
dissipated by the pleasing prospect every American has
before him ! Here we have an unbounded, fertile country,
worth contending for with blood ! Here bribery and cor-
ruption, which are certain forebodings of a speedy dissolu-
tion, are as yet only known by names. To us, ere long,
Britain's glory will be transferred, where it will shine with
accumulated brilliancy.

We cannot but rejoice with you, on account of the union
and firmness of the Continent. The public virtue now
exhibited by the Americans, exceeds all of its kind that
can be produced in the annals of the Greeks and Romans.
Behold them from North to South, from East to West,
striving to comfort the Town of Boston, both by publishing
their sentiments in regard to the present tyrannical admin-
istration, ai .1 by supporting their poor with provision, w r ho,
otherwise, in this present stagnation of business, would
have reduced the opulent to a state of penury and despair
in a short time.

You are held up as a spectacle to the whole world. All
Christendom are longing to see the event of the American
contest. And do, most noble citizens, play your part man-
fully, of which, we make no doubt, your names are either
to be held in eternal veneration, or execration. If you
stand out, your names cannot be too much applauded
by all Europe, and all future generations, which is the

52 Reply to Brooklyn.

hearty desire and wish of us, who are, with utmost respect,
your most obedient and humble servants.

Israel Putnam, } Committee of Corres-
Joseph Holland, > pondence for the
Daniel Tyler, Jr. ) Parish of Brooklyn.

To Samuel Adams, Esq., Chairman to the Committee of Corres-
pondence, Boston.

[Per favor Colonel Putnam.]

REPLY TO BROOKLYN.

Boston, 22d August, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The unexampled charity and munificence with which
this distressed Town hath been treated by their brethren of
the continent, must strike Europe with astonishment, as it
doth our enemies with dismay. And if the fatal day arrives
when tyranny shall ride triumphant, and corruption per-
vade the American States, our posterity also will look on
the history of these times with an eye of infidelity.

The hearts of our poor have been made to sing for joy,
and the blessings of those who were ready to perish resteth
upon you. Our gratitude to you, Gentlemen, and the rest
of our many kind benefactors, will best be shown by a
perseverance and fixedness in the great cause of truth,
religion, God, and posterity. In the mean time, accept
our thanks, as an earnest of our sincere gratitude and firm
resolution.

We felicitate you, Gentlemen, that in your region brib-
ery and corruption are as yet only mere names. Alas, with
us, they walk in darkness, and waste at noonday. They
are not only in the secret recesses of cowardly conspira-
tors, but in the high places of elevated malefactors. When-
ever a revenue-chest, a board of commissioners, and a band
of pensioners, civil, military and ecclesiastical, shall be
stationed in your happy land, you will then realize the
public calamity and danger of this oppressed people.

Our trials and temptations are many and great. You
have cherished us by your bounty, instructed us by your

Letter from Preston. 53

id vice, and supported us by your strongest influence. Tf
we shall be pushed to a yet greater extremity, your senti-
ments arc 1 perfectly just, that, " If Boston is subjugated,
all British America must fall." This sentiment cannot be
spread too far and wide. It ought to be inculcated in sea-
son and out of season. The yoke of bondage is laid upon
pur necks ; a yoke which neither we nor our fathers have
borne. In matters of civil liberty and public oppression,
all delay is fatal ; the times call for very vigorous rem-
edies. God grant that America may never see one Prov-
ince after another plundered, slaughtered and ravaged with
impunity.

We have the greater number of malignants of any one
town on the continent, arising from the causes before
hinted. But yet a few, very few comparatively, bowed
the knee to Baal. A glorious number, we yet trust, will
buckle their hearts to the breastplate, and join hand with
the lance, before they will give up their birthright and the
oodly heritage of our fathers.

You have stretched out to us the hand of your liberality.
God reward you a thousand fold. Send up for us the
ravers of your love ; and may God in mercy answer them
or good.

We are your obliged friends and countrymen,

Nath'l Appleton, per order.

Israel Putnam, Joseph Holland, Daniel Tyler, Jun. 9

Committee of Correspondence for the parish of Brooklyn.

LETTER FROM PRESTON.

Preston, Aug. 20th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

At this period of your suffering, and on the reception
of your second and third unrighteous Acts of Parliament,
usurping authority and oppressing your Town and Province,
thereby furnishing a pretext for ruining all the Colonies, we
are anxiously looking, that on some indispensable precau-
tion on your part, some important event will take place.
We wish you all the wisdom necessary to avoid the blow

54 Reply to Preston.

which, through you, is levelled at this whole continent.
"We have an enemy to deal with, (Lord North,) that is very
subtle in his wiles, like the enemy of our immortal part.
It therefore becomes us to be watchful and continually on
our guard, and there is great reason to fear that nothing
short of another kind of resistance will regain and secure
our privileges. Capt. William Belcher, who is one of
our Committee, and a zealous friend to the liberties of this
country, waits on you with this, and will acquaint you of
the spirit of our people and give you a copy of the doings
of our Town on the 11th of July last. He will also bring
you a small sum of money, toward the relief of your poor.
Our subscriptions are still out, and keep adding. They
are not yet all collected. I suppose we shall, doubtless,
make up about fifty pounds, lawful money. Our Town is
small, but well affected in the common cause, and view you
as now suffering under the tyranny of the English yoke.
It has given us fresh alarm to hear that arms, &c, are not
suffered to be brought out of your Town. [We would] be
be glad [if] you would furnish us with intelligence of any
new artifice of power, and likewise [of] the behavior of
your Governor in his common deportment to the people.

We are, Gentlemen, your affectionate and sympathizing
friends and countrymen, the Committee of Correspondence
in behalf of the Town of Preston.

Sam'lMoTT,^^*.

P. S. — We received your kind letter in answer to ours,
per Jno. Tyler, Esq.

To the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Boston.

REPLY TO PRESTON.

Boston, August 24:th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We received by Capt. Belcher, your letter of the 20th,
and the sum of money you were kind enough to send, for
the support of our poor. It gives us pleasure, amidst our
sufferings, to find our brethren determined to assist and
support us while we are struggling for American freedom.

Letter from Killingly. 55

Our enemies, we know, will use every artifice that hell can
suggest and human power can execute, to enslave us, but
we are determined not to submit, We choose to effect our
salvation from bondage by policy, rather than by arms, —
[considering that the blood of freemen who fight for their
country, is of more value than the blood of a soldiery who
Bight for pay. We doubt not but a virtuous continental
adherence to a non-importation, non-exportation, and non-
consumption agreement, will produce such changes in
Britain, as will compel them to give us every thing we
wish. But if this should fail, and we should be obliged to
seek redress in the way you have hinted, we flatter ourselves
that we shall act like men, and merit the approbation of all
America. The conduct of our adversaries is to us astonish-
ing. Policy is no more their guide than justice. They
have shut their eyes against daylight, and if they lead the
British nation into the pit they have digged for ns, the
blame must be laid at their own door. The motions of our
Governor are like those of other machines — they move as
they are directed. He is clad in the garb of ministerial
instructions, and has declared his determination implicitly
to obey them. We shall always receive with gratitude
your advice and assistance, not doubting but the end of our
warfare will be Freedom to America.

We are, with sincerity, Gentlemen, your very humble
servants,

JW r A r> T? ttai S rer order of tue Com-
. > V Altlt.Cil\ , ( m ittee of Donations.

P. S. — The arms have been several times detained in
going out of town, but never finally stopt ; even if a private
gentleman carries one out of town with him for diversion,
he is not permitted to bring it back again.

To the Gentlemen, the Committee of the Town of Preston.

LETTER FROM KILLINGLY.

Killingly, Aug. 23r/, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Town of Killingly, sympathizing with their
brethren and fellow-patriots of the Town of Boston, who

56 Letter from Killingly.

are now suffering in the glorious cause of liberty, by rea-
son of that unconstitutional and oppressive Port Bill, for
blocking up your harbor, espouse the cause in which you
suffer, and are sensibly affected therewith. We flatter
ourselves that these few sheep may be received as a token
of gratitude, which not only we, but a whole continent,
owe to you, who have so eminently exerted yourselves in
the cause of liberty. The noble and resolute stand you
have made, in favor of the mutual interest of the Colonies,
has given us, as also every friend of liberty, the highest
esteem and most unfeigned regard for your patriotism.
And our gratitude we cannot more fully express, than by
such acts of kindness and benevolence. It is to such as
you, under God, we owe the glory of our liberty. We
lament the oppression you meet with, yet rejoice that j
neither the threats or caresses of the mighty are sufficient \
to taint your virtue, or stifle the ardor which glows in
your bosoms. May you resolutely stand fast in the liberty |
in which the God of nature has made you free, and may
your patriotic virtues shine with increasing lustre, and
your influence be as extensive as your generous wishes.

We assure you, in the name of this Town, that we are \
well united, and it is the determination and sentiment of !
our people to maintain their privileges at the risk of their
lives and fortunes ; and we hope we shall be always ready
to contribute, as far as lies in our power, to the necessities I
of those more immediately called to suffer in the cause.

Finally, may we all be united, and we and you see the
happy time when Parliament and Liberty meet together, \
and Britain and America kiss each other, to the joy and
satisfaction of every son of Liberty, and the amazement
and confusion of all those who wish not well to our polit-
ical welfare. These are the undissembled wishes and
desires of, Gentlemen, your most obedient, humble ser
vants,

Briant Brown, "1 ~ ... /.

-r, , T Committee of

Lben r Larned, ~ , J

-o T ' > Correspondence

Benja. Leavens, } ~ T f. n . -,

-o tj ' \ for KiUmqly.

Perley Howe, J J VJ

To William Phillips, Esq. and company,

Overseers of the Poor of Boston.

Letter /ram East Had dam. 57

LETTER FROM EAST HAD DAM.

East Hud dam, Aug. 24:th, 1774.

(ilN l'LEMEN,

The Town of East Iladdam, in the Colony of Con-
necticut, taking- into their serious consideration, in a legal
kown meeting, the alarming and distressed circumstances
that the inhabitants of the Town of Boston are brought
pnto, by the very extraordinary Acts of the British Parlia-
ment, in blocking the Town and Port, whereby many of
[your industrious inhabitants are deprived of the means of
providing their daily support, and will necessarily bring a
very great burthen on the said Town, while they are suffe

r-
ling in the common cause of all America : and, being fully
convinced that it is the determination of the British Par-
liament, in course, to attack all the Provinces and Colonies
ton the continent of British America, unless they submit to
a Parliamentary Tax, &c, think it their duty to do every-
thing in their power to maintain their liberties and privi-
leges, which they ever ought to have and enjoy as English
subjects ; in which opinion the inhabitants of this Town
are agreed, almost to a man, and as you are the first that
are attacked, as the head of all America, and so more
(immediately suffering, yet all the members in a greater or
llesser degree are suffering with you, though not in the
means of their present support and subsistences. Under
which circumstances the Town of East Haddam, though a
Ismail Town, thought it their duty to contribute their mite
for the relief of your poor, and thought fit to recommend
a subscription for said purpose, and appointed us, the sub-
scribers, a Committee to receive and transmit the same to
I the Overseers of the Poor of Boston. In pursuance of
| which, we have collected a few cattle and sheep, which are
ithe free gift of said Town of East Haddam, by subscription,
; without any reward, or hopes thereof, (as our enemies
j would insinuate,) which we have committed to the care of
Mr. Israel Champion, of said East Iladdam, to be trans-
(mitted to said Overseers, for them to see used and improved
ias they see cause, for the purpose aforesaid, hoping that the
same will be received, (though a small gift,) as a sincere
4th s. — vol. iv. 8

58 Reply to East Haddam.

mark of our regard and friendship in the general cause-
of English liberty.

We are, Gentlemen, with the utmost esteem and regard,
your most obedient, humble servants,

Daniel Brainerd,
Humphry Lyon.
Silvanus Tinker.
Gibbons Jewett.
Ichabod Olmsted.
Christopher Holmes.

To the Overseers of the industrious Poor of the Town of Boston.

reply to east haddam.

Boston, September 1, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Town of East Haddam, in their letter of the 24th
August, discover such a cordial sympathy for our distress, ,
and give such a pleasing proof of their resolution to assist
us, as makes us more than ever determined to support our
sufferings with a philosophic fortitude. Boston is the stage
on which our tyrants choose to act at present, but how soon
they will choose to figure in some spot where they have a
greater probability of success, time only will discover. We
hope, however, to convince them that not only Boston, but
all America is designed by Heaven for an asylum for op-
pressed and injured virtue, rather than to be a theatre of
sport for usurping despots. The late Acts of Parliament
are cruel and oppressive, to the last degree. That for
blockading our harbor is perhaps without a parallel, but
we are nevertheless of opinion that they have operated for
our advantage. Our enemies imagined that by exhibiting
to our view some signal instances of their immediate power
to distress us, we should be intimidated, that we should |
submit to kiss the rod, and beg them to accept of our obedi-
ence. They now see that we are neither to be persuaded
nor frighted from that standard which we are most sacredly
bound to protect. They have done their utmost, and it is
ineffectual. In policy we flatter ourselves they have not

Letter from Queen Ann's County. 159

exceeded us. Arms are as yet untried. There was a time
when some good men among us were insensible of their
danger, and seemed to prefer obscurity to action ; but the
late manoeuvres of tyranny have roused them from their
lethargy, and they now pant for the field in which the fate
of our country is to he decided.

Nothing has so damped the spirits of those who aspire
to he our masters, as the accounts we are daily receiving of
the glorious spirit that inspires the different parts of the
continent. Some have believed, or have pretended to be-
lieve, that if the faction in Boston was quelled, the Prov-
inces would acquiesce in whatever changes Administration
were pleased to make in the charter and constitution of the
Massachusetts Bay. lhit now they see that a firm hond is
formed in America, which the most powerful monarch on
earth will not easily break.

You will he pleased to accept our most hearty wishes
for a continuance of your friendship ; and gratitude and
justice oblige us to tell you, that the Colony of Connecticut
have behaved to us like brothers, and signalized themselves
in the cause of American liberty in such a manner as will
redound to their honor, so long as the sun and moon
endure.

The generous benefaction from the town of East Had-
dam, so modestly mentioned in your letter, excite those
emotions which the grateful hearts of their brethren here
can better conceive than express.

We are, Gentlemen, with sincerity,

Your much obliged servants,

Joseph Warren, | S^&JSfiT

To Mr. Daniel Brainerd, and others of the Committee of East
Had dam.

LETTER FROM QUEEN A NX'S COUNTY.

Maryland, Queen Ann's Count}/, 21th Aug., 1774.
Sir,

You will herewith receive one thousand bushels of
corn, to be applied towards the relief of the unhappy peo-

60 Reply to Queen Ann's County.

pie of Boston, suffering by means of the late unconstitu- jj
tional and oppressive Acts of Parliament.

Signed by order of the Committee of Correspondence.

James Earle, Clerk.
To John Barrett, Esq.

REPLY TO QUEEN ANN'S COUNTY.

Boston, October 4:th, 1774.

mi'

IB]
B
i

fa
li

Sir,

Your favor dated Queen Ann's County, 27th Augus
last, with a bill of lading for one thousand bushels of corn,
was lately handed to the Committee of Donations, by John
Barrett, Esq. of this place. The generous and seasonable
supplies from our worthy friends and fellow-countrymen in
Maryland, have greatly refreshed our spirits, relieved the
necessities of our poor, suffering by means of the cruel
Boston Port Bill, and inspired us with renewed zeal in the
all important cause in which you and we are so deeply
engaged. Our distresses and daily trials are great, and as
we have such mighty powers armed, and arming against us,
and as their resentment is equal in degree to their policy
and craft, 'tis easy to conceive that we must be frequently
much embarrassed ; but, through the favor of our God, we
have hitherto been helped, directed and encouraged.
Through his gracious assistance we are determined to per-
severe in a firm, manly, steady opposition to such unright-
eous decrees, as the enemies of the civil and religious
liberties not only of this Town and Province, but of this
whole continent, are endeavoring effectually to carry into
execution. Our truly patriotic friends and brethren in
Maryland, will unite their humble and daily supplications
with ours to God, that he will sanctify these afflictions to
us, and in due time grant us the temporal, spiritual, and
eternal salvation which we so greatly need. The grateful
acknowledgments of this Committee, in behalf of the
Town, are hereby tendered by

Sir, your very obliged, humble servants,

David Jeffries, per order.

Mr. James Earle, Maryland, Queen Ann's County.

Letter from Kent County. 61

LETTER FROM KENT COUNTY.

Kent County, Chestertown, Maryland,
Awj. 29th., 1774.

SIR,

Inclosed you haYc bill of lading for two thousand

ushels of Indian corn, shipped by the Committee of Cor-

espondence for this County, on board the schooner Endeav-

ur, Capt. Harding, for the use of the poor of your Town,

nd also bills of lading for one thousand bushels shipped

n board said Yessel, by the Committee of Correspondence

for Queen Ann's County. The Committee would haYe sent

this relief long ago, but no Yessel could be procured sooner.

hope it will arrive in good order,

And am, Sir, your most humble servant,

Thos. Smyth.
To Jno. Barrett, Esq.

REPLY TO KENT COUNTY.

Boston, October 6th, 1774.
Sir,

Your obliging letter, dated Chestertown, Maryland,
August 29th, directed to John Barrett, Esq. of this Town,
has by him been handed to the Committee of Donations.
We have received the generous and very seasonable pres-
ent of two thousand bushels corn, per Capt. Harding, from
our patriotic brethren of Chestertown. Such friendly sup-
plies greatly assist and encourage us to persevere in a
manly, but resolute defence of the glorious cause of true
constitutional freedom and liberty. We meet with great
opposition, and not less trials of our prudence, moderation,
patience, and resolution ; but we do not mean to boast, for
in what decree soever we have been called and assisted to
the exercise of these excellent graces, the whole glory
must be given to God our Saviour, who hath hitherto
helped us, and enabled as to stand. In him we desire to
place our whole trust and confidence ; to him let us unit-
edly and constantly repair for all the mercy we need, and

62 Reply to Kent County.

in the use of all proper means, hope and quietly wait for|
his salvation.

Had it not been for the kind interposition and liberality
of our friends and fellow-countrymen, we must have suf-
fered much, beyond what we do at present ; but their
bounty, springing from the noble principles of Christian
sympathy, compassion and benevolence, gives double vigor
to our spirits and deeply affects us (as it ought) with grat-
itude to God, and to them. You will please, therefore, to
accept our grateful acknowledgments in behalf of this
oppressed Town, for these their expressions of kindness
and love, and may God reward them a thousand fold.
I am, Sir, your greatly obliged servant,

DiVTn Tt?t?t?t?t-pc ( Per order of the Com-
AV1D JEllKlEb, j mittee of Donations.

Thomas Smyth, Esq., Chestertown, Maryland.

P. S. — The Committee of Donations have been requested
by Capt. Richard Harding, to supply him with four pounds
ten shillings sterling, for which he draws upon his owner,
Mr. James Bradick, of Miles River, Maryland ; of which
you will please to make such use as you may think proper.
The Committee have also paid Capt. Harding his account
of expenses, amounting to [ ] Inclosed is

the Captain's bill upon his owner.

Boston, Sept. 23d, 1774.
Gentlemen,

This will be delivered you per Capt. Harding, who has
brought for the use of the poor of Boston, sufferers by the
Port Bill, three thousand bushels of corn from the patriotic
inhabitants of the Town of Chester, Kent County, and
Queen Ann's County, Maryland. Your very kind and
repeated offers of service on these occasions, embolden us
to request any needed advice and assistance to the captain.
All charges shall be repaid by him who, in behalf of the
Committee of Donations, is,

Gentlemen, your very obliged, humble servant,

David Jeffries, per order.

To Jeremiah Lee and Azor Orne, Esqrs., and Mr. Elbridge Gerry,
at Marblehead.

Letter from Northampton. (Y,\

LETTER FROM NORTHAMPTON, VIRGINIA.'

Virginia, Northampton, Aug. 30th, 1774.

ENTLEMEN,

The people of this County, compassionating the dis-
xessed poor in your Town, have directed us to ship you
)ne thousand bushels of Indian corn, to be distributed by
pou amongst such families as you shall think most in want

l The Virginia House of Burgesses was in session when the news of the pas-
sage of the Boston Port Bill was received ; and on the 24th of May, 1774, it
)assed a preamble expressing the " apprehension of the great dangers to be
lerived to British America from the hostile invasion of the city of Boston," and
stating that the House deem it highly necessary that the first day of June next
)e set apart by the members, as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer ; and
idopted the following order :

Ordered, therefore, That the members of this House do attend in their places,
it the hour of ten in the forenoon, on the said first day of June next, in order to
proceed, with the Speaker and the mace, to the church of this city, for the pur-
joses aforesaid ; and that the Reverend Mr. Price be appointed to read prayers,
ind to preach a sermon suitable to the occasion.

By the House of Burgesses.

George Wythe, C. H. B.

On the 26th of May, the Virginia House of Burgesses was dissolved by the
loyal Governor. Eighty-nine of the members, on the next day, formed an Asso-
ciation to second unity of action, in the articles of which they state : " We are
further clearly of opinion, that an attack made on one of our sister Colonies, to
compel submission to arbitrary taxes, is an attack made on all British America,
nd threatens ruin to the rights of all, unless the united wisdom of the whole be
pplied." On the 29th of May, " letters were received by express from Boston,
Philadelphia, and Annapolis in Maryland, testifying the resentment of those dif-
ferent places, and the Northern Provinces in general, against the late oppressive
Act of the British Parliament, which is intended so materially to injure the Port
f Boston, and recommending an union of measures to their Southern brethren ;"
when the members of the House of Burgesses, who were in Williamsburg, were
convened by Peyton Randolph. They resolved to call as many other members
as could be assembled, to meet on the next day, the 30th. On this day it was
resolved to defer further action until the general meeting of the House of Bur-
gesses to be held on the first of August.

The following paragraph appears in the journals, under the date of Williams-
burg, June 1, 1774: " On the first of June, the Honorable the Speaker, and as
many of the members of the late Assembly as were in town, with the citizens of
Williamsburg, and numbers from a distance, assembled at the Court House, and
went in procession to the church, where an excellent sermon, well adapted to the
^resent unhappy disputes between Great Britain and her Colonies, was preached
jy the Rev. Mr. Price, chaplain to the House of Burgesses, agreeable to the late
order of that patriotic and very respectable body."

Meetings, in July, were held in the Counties of Virginia, to consider the Port
: Bill. At a meeting of "the Freeholders of James City County," on the 1st of
jJuly, it was "Resolved, That a -subscription paper be handed about among the
! people of James City, to raise money, corn, wheat, or any other commodity which

64 Letter from Northampton.

of it. The bearer hereof, Capt. Nathaniel Brown, will;
deliver you the corn, whose bill lading for the same you!
have inclosed, the freight for which will be paid here, upon;
his producing your receipt for the corn. The people in
this place most sincerely sympathize with their brethren il

IfiC

0111 d

iiitrep
partic
tell
ginia

wee

may be most agreeable to the subscribers, for the relief of the people of Bos--| L^i.
ton."

A letter to a citizen of Boston, dated Alexandria, July 6, 1774, states that a
subscription for the relief of Boston, "to prevent the inhabitants sinking under JL:
the oppression, or migrating, to keep up that manly spirit which has made them
dear to every American, though the envy of our arbitrary Parliament, is from
the County of Fairfax, in this Colony : viz. 273 pounds sterling in specie, (equal
to lawful,) 38 barrels of flour, and 150 bushels of wheat. This subscription
being but a few days on foot, we have not had an opportunity to present it to the
Country in general ; a large sum will be given. Mr. Henley yesterday returned
from Dumfries, after consulting the Committee of Prince William County, in all ^
which a subscription is going on generously ; this day he sets out to consult the J i
Committees of Loudon and Frederick Counties, in each of which a spirit, becom- j ,
ing generous and free-born sons of liberty, are in the like manner testified. In- ilL
deed, all Virginia and Maryland, are contributing for the relief of Boston."

At a meeting of the citizens of Norfolk County and Borough, on the 6th of (J K ■
July, it was " Resolved, That our late Burgesses be hereby instructed to use their J: j
utmost endeavors, that subscriptions be opened in the several Counties of this
Colony, for the relief of the starving, distressed poor, in the blockaded Town of
Boston." On the 9th of July, the citizens of Fauquier County " Resolved, That
the Town of Boston, aforesaid, is now suffering in the common cause of Amer-
ican liberty, and ought to be supplied with such articles as are necessary for
their support, by the voluntary contributions of the Colonies in general." On
the same day, the citizens of Essex County " Resolved, That a subscription be
set on foot for raising provisions for the poor of Boston ; " appointed a Committee
to receive them, and empowered this Committee to charter a vessel to carry them
to Boston.

The citizens of Henrico County, on the 15th of July, at a meeting held at the
Court House, adopted an address to their representatives in the Virginia Assem-
bly, in which was the following : " We most cordially recommend that no time
be lost in administering every comfort and aid to our distressed brethren of Bos-
ton, that their unhappy state may require, and may comport with our situation to
afford." On the 16th of July, the inhabitants of Surry County " Resolved, That
subscriptions be opened in this County, for the relief of our suffering brethren
in the Town of Boston." On the 18th of July, a general meeting of the inhabi-
tants of Fairfax County was held at Alexandria, of which "George Washing-
ton, Esquire," was chairman; when it was Resolved, " That the inhabitants of
Boston were suffering in the common cause of all British America, and are
justly entitled to its support and assistance ; and, therefore, that a subscrip-
tion ought immediately to be opened, and proper persons appointed, in every
County in this Colony, to purchase provisions and consign them to some gen-
tlemen of character in Boston, to be distributed among the poorer sort of
people there." George Washington was also appointed chairman of the
County Committee ; and one of the Delegates to present the Resolves to the
General Assembly. The following appeared in the journals, under the date
of Williamsburg, July 28, 1774 : " It is with much pleasure we learn that the
County of Surry, from the highest to the lowest, are actuated by the warmest
affections towards the suffering Town of Boston. We are told that immediately
after the breaking up of the meeting of the freeholders and others, to consult

Letter from Northampton. 65

Boston, in their present distress, and will at all times cheer-
Ely join in every measure proposed for their relief. Such
onsidcrable collections are making in this Colony for your
oor, that wc hope they will not suffer for want of provis-
ons, and we rely on the firmness of your people in adher-

pon the most proper measures to be taken, upwards of one hundred and fifty
arrels of Indian corn and wheat were subscribed, and that twelve or thirteen
inscription papers are now out for that purpose. Upon a moderate computation,
ur correspondent informs us, eleven or twelve hundred barrels, of different com-
nodities, will be produced by this County, for the benefit of those firm and
intrepid sons of liberty, the Bostonians. It would be needless to recognize the
particular generosity of each County in this Colony, as the public must be very
well acquainted, from the many resolves which have been published, that all Vir-
ginia are unanimous in their endeavors to contribute whatever relief or assist-
mce may be in their power."

On the 18th of July, the inhabitants of the County of York " Voted, That a
subscription be immediately opened for the relief of the inhabitants of Boston,
under the direction of the Deputies for this County, who are desirous to promote
and encourage the same." On the 20th of July, the inhabitants of Stafford County
Resolved, That it is the duty of this Colony to contribute, as far as their power
extends, to the relief of the inhabitants of Boston, who are now, by the hard
hand of oppression, marked out as the victims of ministerial wrath, for their spir-
ited exertions in the great cause of American freedom, and that subscriptions be
immediately set on foot for their relief, under the conduct of the Committee."
On the 25th of July, the inhabitants of Elizabeth City County " Resolved, That
a subscription for the relief of the unhappy poor of Boston, ought to be encour-
aged by all charitable and humane people, and that the moderator be directed to
solicit contributions for that purpose." On the 27th of July, the inhabitants of
Princess Anne County " Resolved, That our Burgesses be hereby instructed to
use their utmost endeavors, that subscriptions be opened in the several Counties
of this Colony, for the relief of the cruelly oppressed and distressed inhabitants
of the Town of Boston."

On the 1st of August, " at a very full meeting of delegates from the Counties
in the Colony and Dominion of Virginia," at Williamsburg, it was " Resolved,
That we think ourselves called upon, by every principle of humanity and broth-
erly affection, to extend the utmost and speediest relief to our distressed fellow-
subjects in the town of Boston ; and, therefore, most earnestly recommend it to
all the inhabitants of this Colony, to make such liberal contributions as they can
afford, to be collected and remitted to Boston, in such manner as may best an-
swer so desirable a pnrpose."

The Essex Gazette of August 2, 1774, has the following paragraph: "Captain
Leighton, from Virginia, informs, that he was told by some respectable gentle-
men, that there would be sixty thousand bushels of grain sent from that Colony
by the 10th of September, all freely given by that generous, patriotic people, for
the support of their distressed brethren in Boston. It was said that thirty thou-
sand bushels would also be given and sent by the worthy people of Maryland,
for the same noble purpose." — Ed.

At a Convention of the Delegates for the Counties of Virginia, the following
Resolve was passed, on the 24th March, 1775 : " Resolved, unaniinoiisly, That
the Committees of the several Counties and Corporations in this Colony, do exert
themselves in procuring and continuing contributions, for supplying the neces-
sities, and alleviating the distresses, of our brave and worthy fellow-subjects of
Boston, now suffering in the common cause of American freedom, in such man-
ner, and so long as their occasions may require."

4th s — vol. iv. 9

66 Reply to Northampton.

ing to the glorious cause in which they are engaged, till it ^
pleases Providence to restore them to the possession of ' jf^
their just rights, and establish the liberties of all America

on the most permanent foundation.

We are, most sincerely, Gentlemen,

Your very humble servants,

Jno. Harmainson.
Littleton Savage.
John Kendall.

To the Committee appointed to receive Donations for the distressed |" a
inhabitants of the Town of Boston. \ an

REPLY TO NORTHAMPTON

1 1

Boston, Sept. 30th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee appointed to receive and distribute the
donations of our brethren in this and the neighboring Col-
onies, received your favors 30th August per Capt. Nath'l
Brown, with about one thousand bushels of Indian corn,
as a present from our worthy brethren in Northampton,
Virginia, to the poor of this Town, suffering by the cruel
blockade of our harbor. This Committee, in behalf of the
Town, return their most sincere thanks to the gentlemen
in Northampton, who have so generously contributed to
this timely donation. Every fresh supply from our friends
encourages all ranks of people firmly to support the cause
for which we are struggling. Had not a spirit of patriot-
ism, generosity and goodness appeared in a most extraor-
dinary manner throughout these American Colonies, this
Town, it is to be feared, must have fallen a sacrifice to
arbitrary power, and submitted to the most humiliating
concessions. But we have the pleasure to inform you that
the patriots and defenders of American rights in this place,
are as firm and zealous as ever, though surrounded on
every hand by soldiers and military preparations; the har-
bor filled with ships of war ; the chief fortress, Castle

Reply to Northampton. 61

William, out of our hands; soldiers encamped in sundry
places ; the Neck, the only entrance into the Town, doubly
fortified by advance batteries, and a regiment encamped
both sides of the road to prevent the aid of our neighbors,

who, upon a late alarm showed the utmost readiness to
encounter every danger for our relief and defence. We
are daily alarmed with hostile appearances. It is now said
they intend to erect five batteries, and to picquet the Town
at the westerly side, to prevent the landing of our friends
from the country. But we are determined to bear all,
rather than in the least instance acknowledge the right of
Parliament to mutilate our charter or form of government,
and tax us at their pleasure. We observe in your letter,
that considerable collections are making in your Colony for
our poor. In confidence of this, our laborers and mechan-
ics have universally declined assisting the army in carrying
on their works, though tempted with large rewards ; not
that they desire to be maintained in idleness, for they are
ready for any employment the Committee can find them.
For particulars in this respect, [we] refer you to the Com-
mittee's publication last week. Conscious that our cause is
just, we trust in the Supreme Ruler of the universe, that
he will in due time restore us to the possession of all our
rights, and establish the liberties of all America on solid
and lasting foundations.

We are, with the greatest esteem, Gentlemen,

Your friends and fellow-countrymen,

D, VTri TnTDrre } Per order the Commit-
AVID JLH-RIES,j tee of D onation8 .

P. S. — You have doubtless heard that all our powder, in

the (harlestown magazine, about three hundred barrels,
has been seized and removed, and the magazine in this
Town, belonging to the Province, taken possession of by
the soldiery, and all private powder prohibited, all cannon
and shot they can lay hold on secured ; but we trust the
neighboring Colonies have full supply, in case of need,
which God forbid.

68 Letter to the Committee.

LETTER TO THE COMMITTEE.'

Marblehead, M Sept. 1774.
Gentlemen,

We inclose you Capt. Ayer's receipt, for all the pro-
visions per Capt. Thompson, except the corn, which is in i
the store of the first subscriber, according to desire of Mr.
Appleton. The receipt is not properly drawn, but we
apprehend no inconvenience will attend it, and Capt. Ayers
has generously contracted to take nothing for the freight
up. The expenses attending unlading and relading cargo,
&c, are 41/1, and we wish this and such further supplies
may come to your hands, as will disconcert the unhuman

1 The following- letter from William Cooper to a gentleman in New York, is
copied from Force's Archives, vol. i. p. 784 : —

Boston, September 12, 1774.

Sir: -Last week I received your favor of the 26th ultimo, and showed your
letter to some of the Committee appointed to receive donations and employ the
poor. I have to observe that our streets are supported by a common tax, and
that the Town did not pass any vote directing the Committee to lay out their
money upon the streets, bat left it entirely to their best judgment. Enclosed
you have a list of the names of the gentlemen appointed by the Town for this
important trust, who meet every day, Saturday and Sunday excepted. I am direct-
ed by them to give you the following account of their proceedings. The Com-
mittee, after several consultations, notified the inhabitants that they should attend
at Faneuil Hall, every afternoon, for ten days, (Lord's day excepted,) for all classes
of people, suffering by the Port Bill, to lay their circumstances before them, that
they might be employed, if possible, in their several departments ; accordingly, a
great number appeared, of all classes of mechanics and laborers, but of the latter
a much greater number, whose circumstances called for immediate relief. Several
plans were proposed, but none that could be put into immediate execution, and
employ the mere laborer so effectually, as mending the pavements, upon which it
was proposed to the Selectmen, who are overseers of the streets, that if they would
undertake to mend the streets, the Committee would assist them in paying part of
the labor, out of the donations collected for the employment of the poor ; which was
agreed to, and a great number of our most indigent inhabitants enabled to earn
their bread ; but being sensible that the money thus laid out could not make any
returns for future use, they have for some time desisted. The Committee pro-
cured leave from the Town to lay out a brick-yard upon the Neck, in which they
employ upwards of eighty men a day in making bricks, which they are in hopes
to sell for their cost. The Committee have agreed to build a house for sale, as
soon as materials can be collected, and several vessels will be set up as soon as
the ship-builders are out of some present employ, given them by private gentle-
men, and the stocks shall be sufficient to undertake them ; but, that the employ-
ment may be as universal as possible, the Committee have purchased a stock of
wool, flax and cotton, to be distributed to all the spinners, and are erecting
looms for weaving them into baizes and shirt-cloth ; they also distribute leather
to the shoemakers, and take their manufacture in pay, and with them, in part,

Note to the Committee. (>!)

nischief plotted by lord North, against your worthy com-
nunity, into an advantageous event.
We are truly, Gentlemen, your very humble servants,

Azor Orne.

Elbridge Gerry.

To the Gentlemen the Committee of Donations.

NOTE TO THE COMMITTEE.

Samuel and Joseph Sewall's compliments, with the in-
closed, to the sufferers by the present oppressive measures
in the Towns of Boston and Charlestown.

May wisdom, prudence and discretion, with firmness, in-
fluence the counsels and conduct of all engaged in the
cause of liberty.

York, Sej)t. 5, 1774.

pay laborers. The Committee are in daily expectation of a quantity of nail-rods,
with which they hope to employ most of the blacksmiths through the winter;
and they have reason to expect a quantity of hemp, which will enable the rope-
makers to recall their journeymen.

It is hoped this short account of the proceedings of the Committee of Dona-
tions will meet with the approbation of the donors.

It must be acknowledged the Committee are charged with an important and
laborious trust ; it is, therefore, requested that the most charitable construction
may be put upon their conduct, by those abroad, as it is impossible that any
stranger can be acquainted with the various difficulties that attend this business.
As the Committee have no interest, but that of the public, to serve, they earn-
estly request the advice of all friends, respecting the discharge of their commis-
sion, and engage that every plan proposed shall have a serious attention. It may
not be improper to observe, that the Committee have opened a regular set of
books, in which they record all their proceedings, and give credit to the several
Provinces, Towns, and particular persons from whom they receive any donations.

The Town of Charlestown being in the same predicament with this Town, it
has been mutually agreed, that seven per cent, of all the donations should be
delivered to the Town of Charlestown.

The number of persons, of all ranks, thrown out of employment, by the sud-
den and universal stagnation of business, is very great. The Committee confine
their employ to such as are immediately affected by the Port Bill, while the reg-
ular overseers take the usual care of the town's poor.

I am, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient servant,

William Cooper.

P. S. — The Committee are about publishing to the world an account of their
proceedings thus far. If some part of your collections should be invested in
iron-rods for nails, it would be agreeable to the Committee. Your care in col-
lecting subscriptions for this distressed town, will be gratefully noticed and
acknowledged. — Ed.

70 Letter from Quebec.

LETTER FROM QUEBEC.

Quebec, 6th September, 1774.

!f>!

rir

Sir,

Out of humanity, and in compassion to the poor o| i^
your place, who must be sufferers in consequence of the
present unhappy discord between the British Parliament
and the Colonies, a small quantity of wheat has been
collected by subscription in this Town, which I have, by j
the desire of the subscribers, shipped on board your brig-
antine Susannah, freight free, with Capt. Hewes's consent,'
as per inclosed bill of lading, and consigned to you, request-
ing that it may, by yourself (or such persons as may be
appointed for that purpose) be distributed amongst the in-
nocent and necessitous sufferers of the Town of Boston.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient, humble
servant,

Jonas Clarke Minot.
To Arnold Welles, Esq., Boston.

Iro
lin
jll

lei
iin
lati
fit
Co

REPLY TO QUEBEC.

Boston, Oct l'Ort, 1774.

Gentlemen,

We received Mr. Minot' s kind letter of the 6th Sep-
tember, together with the generous benefaction of the
town of Quebec. We feel our breasts warm with gratitude
to the inhabitants of that distant part of the continent,
whose humanity has led them to compassionate, and whose
charity has prompted them to relieve, the distressed poor
of this oppressed Town. We hope that the benefit arising
from our determined opposition to the cruel invasion of
the rights of America, will extend to all who afford us
assistance in this important struggle. The Colonies, if
firmly united in all parts of the continent, may enjoy the
blessings of civil and religious liberty, and transmit the
same entire from one generation to another, in spite of all |
the powers on earth ; and it affords us a satisfaction great-
er than language can express, to open our first public cor-

Reply to Quebec. 7 1

respondence with the Town of Quebec, upon an occasion
which does tlicm so much honor, and the remembrance of
vliicli must ever awaken our affection and esteem. This
last continent abounds with every thing which can supply
[lie necessities, or contribute to the happiness, of the
inhabitants. Whilst we stand compact, like a band of
mothers, no proud invaders will be able to subdue us.
Che connection between us and Great Britain, whilst
ustice and moderation presided in their councils, was
)eneficial to both countries, and it grieves us to own (but
ruth demands the confession) that the plan pursued of
ate, by the British administration, seems not to be dictated
sither by equity or sound policy. The prosperity of the
Colonies is an aggrandizement of Britain ; she ought, there-
ore, to promote it ; but instead thereof, the tendency of her
neasurcs is to reduce them to a state of slavery, and this
s to be accomplished by creating divisions amongst them
md using them as engines to beat down and destroy the
iberties of each other, that so all may be an easy prey to
;yranny and despotic power. But we bless God that the
yes of the Colonies are so far opened as to see the danger
;hat threatens them, and to avoid the snare laid for their
lestruction. "We hope that by mutual good offices the
iffection between us and our brethren in Canada, will
Strengthen daily, (and as we firmly trust that Heaven will
aot withhold its support from a brave and virtuous people,
pntending for their rights against oppression and lawless
rapacity,) we do, under all our sufferings, console ourselves
)y an anticipation of that glorious period, when the peace-
ful millions of this Xcw World shall quietly enjoy the in-
raluable blessings of civil and religious liberty, which we
are now so loudly called upon to defend. We shall always
ejoice in the felicity of our friends in Canada, and shall
hink ourselves happy in keeping up a brotherly corres-
pondence with them.

We are, Gentlemen, your obliged friends and humble
servants. [2Vo Signature^

P. S. — Arnold Welles, Esq., the owner of the vessel, has
generously given the freight, for which the Committee, in
behalf of the Town, are greatly obliged to him.

Mr. Jonas Clarke Minot, Quebec.

72 Letter from Woodstock.

LETTER FROM WOODSTOCK.

Woodstock, Sept. 12th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Town of Woodstock, to testify to you the grate-
ful sense they have of the obligations they are under to
the worthy inhabitants of the Town of Boston, for their
inviolable attachment to and perseverance in the noble and
important cause of American Liberty, and that we are not
unmindful of their sufferings and distresses, which they
have endured, in consequence of their unshaken fortitude
and fixed resolution to maintain and defend the constitu-
tional rights of every American, have collected a small
donation for the relief of your poor, which will be deliv-
ered you by Capt. Lyon, and shall, with the utmost cheer-
fulness, repeat it as often as the circumstances of your peo-
ple shall require. '

Frequently have you been called upon by the enemies
of our liberties, during the convulsive struggles between
Great Britain and America, to show your virtue and forti-
tude, and as frequently have you manifested to the world
your willingness to suffer any thing that ministerial ven-
geance can impose upon you, rather than give up our lib-
erties, and tamely submit to have every thing that is dear
and valuable wrested from us. We had a meeting of del-
egates from the Committees of Correspondence in the sev-
eral Towns in the Counties of New London and Windham,
convened at Norwich, on the eighth day of September inst.,
the doings of which will be communicated to you by the
Chairman of said Convention,- — would only assure you that
the greatest harmony and unanimity of sentiment appeared
in all our debates and proceedings ; and let us say that the
cheek of every member glowed with resentment and mar-
tial fire. The spirit and resolution of our people in this I
part of the country, was manifested very evidently on the j
late alarm. Not a man appeared among us but was will- \
ing, with the utmost alacrity, to fly to your relief. And j
you may most assuredly rely upon it, that not only the
people in this town, but in all this part of the country, are
to a man resolutely determined to yield you all the assist- |

Reply to Woodstock. 73

ance in our power, and are willing to sacrifice all that is
dear and valuable to us, rather than suffer the patriotic
inhabitants of the Town of Boston to be overwhelmed by
the adversaries of American liberty. We cannot but hope

that we shall soon have an opportunity to congratulate
you on the redress of all our grievances. May the time
come, Gentlemen, and that shortly, when you and all the
other friends of America in Boston, shall receive the re-
ward of all your sufferings. May your names be ever held
dear and sacred by the present age, and may posterity never
cease to sound forth your praises to the latest generations.

We would not trouble 1 you any further, Gentlemen, at
this time, but only to wish, and earnestly pray, that the
Supreme Being would crown with desired success your
ardent endeavors, and noble exertions in the glorious cause
in which you are so heartily engaged ; it being no less a
cause than the defence of the liberties of millions of free-
born sons of America.

And are, Gentlemen, your assured friends and very hum-
ble servts.,

Nathaniel Child, "1 ^ ,.

^ ~, Committee of

JLlisha Child, „ -, J

T ^ r Correspondence

Jedediah Morse, > ,. .,■* rr

^ ri r! for the lown
Chas. Church Chandler, j » TTr 7 . 7

c M n ,' of Woodstock.

Same. McClellan, J •

To the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Boston.

REPLY TO WOODSTOCK.

Boston, Sept. loth, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee appointed by this Town to receive and
distribute donations that may be sent in for the relief of
the poor, suffering by means of the cruel and oppressive
Port Bill, have this day received, through the Committee of
Correspondence, your favors of the 12th instant.

This Committee, with admiration and gratitude, notice
the virtue and generous spirit that animates the breasts of
our brethren through the continent. The Town of Wood-

4tu s. — VOL. IV. 10

74 Letter from Kingston.

stock have expressed such favorable sentiments of this
Town as lays us under particular obligations to persevere
in a firm opposition to the attempts of arbitrary power,
and they may depend on our utmost endeavors to hand
down inviolable, to posterity, all those religious and civil!
liberties which we received as a fair inheritance from ouri'
venerable ancestors.

With unfeigned thankfulness we acknowledge the receipt
of sixty-five sheep, by the hands of our worthy friend, Capt.
Lyon, — a generous and timely present from our brethren off
Woodstock. We heartily wish you all temporal and spird
itual blessings, and that this instance of disinterested love:
may be rewarded a thousand fold into your bosoms. While
we partake of your bounties, we doubt not we have yourr
unceasing prayers to the Supreme Ruler of the universe,,
that we and all America may speedily be restored to the
enjoyment of those rights which the iron hand of powerr
is wresting from us, and, in the meanwhile, graciously^
directed and strengthened, our best abilities are, and will
be employed in the distribution of this and every donation |
to the suffering poor, to quiet their minds in this day of!
trial. They are numerous, and we are inventing every?
method to employ them.

Be assured that we are, with the greatest respect and I
obligations, Gentlemen, your most humble servant,

David Jeffries, per order.

To Mr. Nath'l. Child and others, Committee of Correspondence for <
the Town of Woodstock.

LETTER FROM KINGSTON."

Kingston, Sept. lith, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The inhabitants of Kingston, in the Province of New
Hampshire, see with deep concern the unhappy misun-
derstanding and disagreement that now subsists between

1 The Boston Gazette of May 23, 1774, names Portsmouth among- the Towns
which had, "thus early, assured" the people of Boston of their sympathy, and
it printed the following extract from a letter from the Portsmouth Committee

Letter from Kingston. 75

Groat Britain and these American Colonies, being fully
sensible that the happiness of both countries depend on an
union, harmony, and agreement to be establish! <1 between
them on a just, equitable, and permanent foundation. But
whon we consider the new, arbitrary, and unjust claims of
our brethren in Great Britain, to levy taxes upon us at
their sovereign will and pleasure, and to make laws to bind
us in all cases, whatsoever, we view and consider ourselves
and our posterity under the operations of these claims, as
absolute slaves ; for what is a slave, but one who is bound
in all cases whatsoever by the will and command of another.
And we look on the late unjust, cruel, hostile, and tyranni-
cal Acts of the British Parliament, respecting the Massa-
chusetts Bay in general, and the Town of Boston in partic-
ular, as consequences of these unrighteous claims, and from
them clearly see what the whole continent has to expect
under their operation.

But when we consider the military forces, both by sea
and land, sent in an hostile manner to enforce, with the
point of the sword, and mouths of cannon, those acts and
claims, we esteem it an high infringement of your rights

of Correspondence, dated May 19, to the Boston Committee: "We think the
late Act of Parliament, to shut up the Port of Boston, of a most extraordinary
nature and fatal tendency ; administration are taking every method to disunite
the Colonies, thereby to render the noble opposition to their arbitrary and
destructive measures abortive ; we hope a firm union of all the Colonies will still
subsist; and that such a plan may be devised, and resolutely pursued by all, as
may prevent the cruel effects of this Act. We heartily sympathize with you,
under your present difficult and alarming situation. We will exert ourselves to
carrv any plan into effect which may be concerted by the Colonies for the gen-
eral relief. We sincerely wish you resolution and prosperity in the common
cause, and shall ever view your interest as our own, and are, with the highest
esteem, &c."

The New Hampshire Gazette of July 2*2, 1774, has the following: "United
we stand — divided we fall. Yesterday met at Exeter, the Delegates from the
several Towns in this Province, to choose two or more persons to join the general
Congress ;" and the next issue has the proceedings of this Convention. Eighty-
|ve delegates were present, and John Wentworth was Moderator. It was
" Voted, unanimously, That the Deputies recommend it to their respective Towns,
to take into consideration the distressed, unhappy condition of the Town of
Boston, and liberally to contribute towards the relief of the poor of that Town,
according to the noble and laudable example of their sister Colonies."

On the 19th of September, the Town of Portsmouth chose a Committee "to
receive donations for the industrious poor of the Town of Boston." The Boston
Gazette of October 17. has the following paragraph : " At a legal town meeting,
held at Portsmouth on Monday last, it was voted that £200 be paid by the Select-
men to the Committee in Boston, for the use of the suffering poor in this Town."

Governor Wentworth, under, the date of Portsmouth, November 15, 1774,

76 Letter from Kingston.

and privileges, and an insult upon all North America, and
are fully persuaded that unless there is a speedy alteration
of those measures, a total disaffection will soon take place,
and Britain, instead of being our best friend, will be looked
upon as an enemy ; and then a final separation in all re-
spects will no doubt soon follow, the thoughts of which
fill our minds with trouble, anxiety, and concern.

We wish the Town of Boston, wisdom and prudence to
conduct them, in these trying and critical times, and that
their struggle for liberty may be crowned with abundant ;
success. We look on the cause in which you are engaged
as a common cause, and that we and our posterity are \
equally interested with you in the event. We beg leave to
assure you that this Town will readily assist the Town of
Boston, to the utmost of their ability, in every prudent
measure that may be taken for regaining their just rights
and privileges from all unjust invaders. We heartily sym-
pathize with the 'poor of the Town of Boston, under their
present distresses, and as an earnest of our readiness to
assist you, this Town have contributed and sent by the
bearers hereof, one hundred sheep as a present for their

wrote as follows to the Earl of Dartmouth : " At an adjournment of a town
meeting in Portsmouth, in October last, fifty-two voters reconsidered a vote of
fifty-six voters in a previous meeting, ' not to grant the town monies for a
donation to Boston ; but that a voluntary subscription be opened for that pur-
pose.' This lesser number granted two hundred pounds, proclamation money,
which is near four times their province tax." — Belknap's New Hampshire, vol. iii.
p. 325.

The New Hampshire Gazette of November 4, has the following paragraph :
" We are informed, that at a full meeting of the freeholders and other inhab-
itants of the Town of Exeter, held at the town house in said Town, on Monday
last, (called for that purpose,) they ' Voted, nem. con., That the sum of one
hundred pounds, lawful money, be paid by the Selectmen of said Town, for the
relief of the poor in the Town of Boston, now suffering by a cruel, arbitrary Act
of the British Parliament.' "

At a Convention of Deputies appointed by the Towns of New Hampshire, held
at Exeter, on the 25th of January, 1775, when one hundred and forty-four were
present, an Address was adopted, " To the inhabitants of the Province of New
Hampshire," in which was the following recommendation : " That as the inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston, in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, are
now laboring under a load of ministerial vengeance, laid upon them to enforce
obedience to certain arbitrary and unconstitutional Acts, which, if once sub-
mitted to, must involve all America in slavery and ruin ; conscious that all these
Colonies are largely indebted to the virtue and fortitude of those patriotic
asserters of freedom, we heartily recommend a continuance of your contributions
for the relief of that oppressed people ; and that you keep yourselves in constant
readiness to support them in their just opposition, whenever necessity may
require." — Ed.

Re pi [if to Kingston. 77

relief, to be disposed of for their use, in such way and
panner as you shall think best.

We are, in behalf of the donors,

Your most obedient humble servants,

Jacob HoOKE.

Josi \n Bartlett.

Thos. Bacheller.

J no. Calef.

David Quinby.

NTath'l Bacheller.

Willot Peterson.

Jno. Huntoon, Ji N.

JOSIAH BACHELDER.

To the Overseers of the Town of Boston.
[Received but ninety sheep.]

REPLY TO KINGSTON.

Boston, Sept. 16th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee appointed by this Town to receive and
distribute the donations that may be sent in for the relief
of the poor, suffering by the oppressive Port Bill, have this
day received your favors of the 14th inst, accompanying a
very generous and timely present of one hundred sheep,
from the respectable and patriotic inhabitants of Kingston,
New Hampshire. The good sense, spirit, and animation
of your letter gives us great pleasure, and if anything
could make us forget our unhappy situation, it would be
the unexampled kindness of our friends.

The circumstances of this Town are truly deplorable ;
our harbor filled with armed ships ; all foreign trade sus-
pended ; a vast number of poor thrown out of employ, who
swarm daily to the Committee for labor or support ; our
Town filled with troops ; the Xcck, the only avenue into
the Town, fortified by cannon planted on the walls ; a reg-
iment, and two redoubts, about forty rods without the forti-
fication ; the soldiery insolent, all the cannon that is private
property which they can come at seized ; the cannon at the
North Battery spiked up, our powder taken possession of,

78 Letter from Worcester County, Md.

and every hostile appearance. What the event of these 1
things will be, is known only to the Supreme Puler of the I tc
universe, in whom we desire at all times to put our trust
In full confidence that our cause is just, and that we havee
an unalienable right to all the privileges specified in ouri' C
charter, we are determined to make no concessions.

We have just to observe that we employ our poor, in
mending the streets, making bricks, spinning wool, flax,
cotton, &c. &c, and are erecting looms to weave the same
into baizes and shirt cloth, which we hope to sell, and
so protract our stock. The Committee have an arduous
task, and they can assure the public that no one person,
but such as are in indigent circumstances, ever received a J si
penny benefit from the donations ; and it is requested that|
no ill-natured report may be credited, until facts can be
ascertained.

Please to present to our friends in Kingston, that have
so liberally contributed to our relief, the most sincere and
hearty thanks of this Committee, in behalf of the Town.
We wish the best of Heaven's blessings may attend you,
and that this kindness may be rewarded into your bosoms
a thousand fold.

And be assured that we are, with great respect and es-
teem, Gentlemen, your friends and fellow-countrymen,

DAVTFI Tt?"FFT?TV<J < Per order the Com-
AVI.U ^-bl-tKi-Lb, | m it,teeof Donations.

P. S. — Some few of the sheep were left on the road ; for
particulars refer you to the bearer.

[N. B. — Ninety sheep were received.]

To Jacob Hooke and others, in the Town of Kingston, New Hamp-
shire.

LETTER FROM WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND.

Worcester County, Maryland, Sept. 16th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Among a number of resolutions entered into by the
General Committee of the Province of Maryland, respect-
ing the distressed situation of your Town, one of which
was that a subscription should be opened in the several

Reply to Worcester County, Md. 7!)

Counties of said Province, by their respective Committees,
to raise a sum of money lor the purpose of purchasing

provisions for the relief of your distressed poor, in conse-
quence of which we, as the Committee of Wor[ce]ster
Countv, have shipped to your address, per the schooner

Pollv, ('apt. Jones, out 1 thousand bushels Indian corn, and
hope it will come safe to hand.

Your conduct, so plainly manifesting the zeal and firm
attachment you have to the general cause you arc defend-
ing, gives us no room to distrust your candor and fidelity
in making a just and impartial distribution of the little
benefaction we have made to your most needy and neces-
sitous. We hope to have the pleasure of receiving some
accounts of your situation by the return of Capt. Jones,
as no piece of intelligence would be more generally grate-
ful at this time than Boston news.

That Heaven may grant you perseverance, and endue
you with a prudent and becoming fortitude, upon this
unhappy, alarming, and very interesting contest between
Britain and her Colonies, is the ardent hope and desire of,
Gentlemen, your sympathizing friends and fellow subjects,

Peter Chaille, ) Committee
John Done, > of Worcester

Wm. Morris, ) County.

To the Gentlemen Committee of the Town of Boston.

REPLY TO WORCESTER CO., MD.

Boston, October 10th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

This day the Committee of Donations, sometime since
chosen and appointed by this Town, received your accept-
able favor, dated Worcester County, Maryland, Sept. 15,
ult, per Capt. Joseph Jones, which informs us of one thou-
sand bushels corn sent per him. He had just come from
Marblehead, and is now gone back with directions to take
out the corn, and put it on board some coaster, or other
vessel, that may be coming to this place. The captain

80 Reply to Worcester County, Md.

has told us that his vessel proves leaky. We have paid
him three pounds twelve shillings sterling, the charge of I
pilotage over the shoals, and three pounds three shillings \
sterling more, custom house fees, and his own expenses.
This letter we propose to forward to Marblehead, there i
to be committed to his care. We trust you are not mis-
taken in your opinion of our zeal for, and firm attachment
to, the general cause, the cause of true constitutional free- ■
dom and liberty. We are sure we are not mistaken when X
we say, that our friends and fellow-countrymen in Mary-
land, have given the strongest evidence of their sympathy
and tender compassion towards their suffering brethren in
Boston. We acknowledge, with gratitude, to our friends
in Maryland, particularly in Worcester County, our obliga-
tions to them for their generous and seasonable supplies.
By means thereof we have been enabled, under God,
hitherto to hold out in our opposition to the iniquitous
measures of an administration, which, in the opinion of!
multitudes on the other as well as this side the Atlantic,
has brought such disgrace on the English nation, as will
scarcely be wiped away. We yet trust in the same gra-
cious God, that he will plead and maintain our cause, and t
in his own time, make us glad according to the days
wherein he hath afflicted us, and the years wherein we have
seen evil. Together with their alms, may the daily prayers
of our Christian friends in Maryland go up, for a memo- 1
rial before God. The prayers of faith shall prevail.

Our friends in general have restricted us, respecting the
distribution of their charities, viz., to the sufferers by means
of the Boston Port Bill, and by this rule we endeavor to
govern ourselves. You, it seems, have left us to act more
at large ; however, we think we may venture to assure you, J
that such distributions will be made, as will coincide with
the design of the benevolent donors. An account of the :
general conduct of the Committee has lately been commu-
nicated to the public, in the Boston prints, and we hope it
has given satisfaction to all the friends of the common
cause.

October 11. As to our situation and circumstances, they
are indeed difficult and truly alarming. A fifty-gun ship,
commanded by Admiral Graves, (called the Preston,) lying

licph/ to Worcester County, Md. 81

in our harbor and nearly off the end of the Long Wharf,
Which leads directly up King Street, and to the Town or
State House. Another man-of-war lying in Charles river,
and very troublesome to the passengers, who are every

minute in the day passing and repassing that ferry in boats,
the best accommodated and perhaps the most frequented of

any in all North America. Several other men-of-war sta-
tioned at different places, so that no vessel can come in, or
any go out, but by their pen-mission. A schooner man-of-
war riding at anchor in Dorchester Bay, (so called,) and
not far from Boston Neck, the only avenue into the Town
by land — ten or twelve pieces of cannon mounted on the
Fortification, (so called,) or walls, at the very entrance into
the Town — two eighteen or twenty-four pounders planted
just without the said fortifications, unless they have been
ately removed ; together with eight or ten more, to two
sntrenchments, or rather regular fortifications of earth,
thrown up on each side said avenue, eighty or one hundred
rods to the southward of the very entrance into the Town
before mentioned ; and a regiment has for some time been
encamped on both sides of Boston Neck, and a little north-
erly of the two entrenchments ; besides all this, a regi-
ment of Welch fuzileers, (so called,) encamped on Fort Hill,
lot far distant southerly from the Long Wharf; also four
regiments encamped on the Common, near the centre of
;he Town, together with a train of artillery planted there.
Insults and abuses, hardly to be borne, frequently offered
3y the soldiery to persons coming in and going out of
Town — more troops sent for from Philadelphia and New
York, or the Jerseys ; also two regiments from Quebec ; —
what the issue will be we do not know, but it is our inter-
est as well as duty, in this day of general calamity and
listress, to commit our cause unto that God who judges
righteously. In short, in our own apprehension, we carry
)ur lives in our hands, every day. But we are strength-
ened, we are directed, we arc supported from day to day.
We are not intimidated ; our enemy doth not yet triumph
Dver us. By the help and blessing of God, we shall not
inly persevere, but shall be crowned witli success in our
endeavors to preserve the rights and liberties of North
America ; for although Boston has first been struck at, and
4th s. — VOL. iv. 11

82 Reply to Worcester County, Md.

is now suffering the effects of ministerial vengeance, yet
doubtless, more is intended than has yet been acted, and
the plan of operation is designed to extend to the entire
subversion and destruction of every thing accounted valua-
ble and dear in the eyes of ail the friends of freedom on
this widely extended continent. Their countenance and
help we greatly need, and these must encourage us, under
the severity of our trials, and the sharpness of our conflict.
We hope we have not trespassed upon your patience, as
the length of this letter is grounded, (at least in part,) on,
the request contained in yours, which gratitude and com-
mon interest would forbid us to disregard.

We wish you prosperity, and are, Gentlemen, your much J
obliged and affectionate friends and fellow-countrymen,

DWT-n Tttvt?-dtt?o I Per order of the Com-
AV1D Jl^llltl^b, j m ittee of Donations.

Messrs. Peter Chaille, John Done, and William Morris,

Committee of Correspondence of Worcester County, Maryland.

Boston, October 10th, 1774.
Mr. Elbridge Gerry,

Sir, — Capt. Joseph Jones, of Worcester County, ,
Maryland, has this moment informed of his arrival at
Marblehead, with one thousand bushels of corn. He like-
wise says his vessel leaks very much. This is to beg the \
favor of you to engage a vessel to freight the corn to
Boston.

Your humble servants,

By order of the Committee of Donations,

Alex'r Hodgdon, Clerk.

(At Marblehead.)

P. S. — Since the above, it has been suggested that Mr.
Gerry and others, may be gone to the Congress. This is j
to beg the favor of some of the gentlemen, Committee of
Correspondence, to give Capt. Jones such assistance as he
may want, to get his corn taken out of the vessel, as she
proves leaky, and get some coaster to take it on board.

Letter from Essex County, Va. S3

Perhaps some vessel may want to come to 'Town, and would
take it with little or no charge; but this we refer to your
prudence, and any charges you may incur shall be reim-
bursed on sight, (apt. Jones lias been paid pilotage, cus-
tom house charges, &c. Your care 4 in this will add to the
many favors received from our friends of Marblehcad.

LETTER FROM ESSEX COUNTY, VA.

Virginia, Essex County, Sept. 19th, 1774.

John Hancock, Esq., or the

Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston.

Gentlemen,

This serves to inform you that we have consigned to
you, by the schooner Sally, James Perkins, master, one
thousand and. eighty-seven bushels of Indian corn, for the
use of our suffering brethren in your Town, it being a part
only of the contribution by the people in this County, for
their relief. The remainder, amounting to four or five
hundred bushels, shall come by the first opportunity. We
can venture to assure you that the Virginians are warmly
disposed to assist them, and hope for their steady and
prudent perseverance in the common cause of our country,
from whence only we can hope for a happy termination of
our distresses. We pray God for an happy issue to our
virtuous struggles, and we beg leave to assure you, that we
have the most sincere regard for our Northward brethren,
and arc,

Gentlemen, your most obedient servants,

John TJpshaw.
Archibald Ritchie.
Jno. Lee.
Robert Beverly.

P. S. — You will be pleased to communicate, by the
return of the vessel, the situation of public affairs in your
Province.

84 Repty to Essex County, Va.

REPLY TO ESSEX COUNTY, VA.

Boston, 14 March, 1775.

To Jno. Upshaw, Archibald Ritchie,

Jno. Lee, and Robert Beverly, Esqrs.

Gentlemen,

I am to acquaint you, that immediately after the
arrival of the unrighteous and cruel edict for shutting up
our harbor, the inhabitants of this Town appointed a Com-
mittee to receive and distribute such donations as our
friends were making, for the employment and relief of
those who would become sufferers thereby.

Your letter of the 19th of September last, directed to
Jno. Hancock, Esq., or the Overseers of the Poor of the
Town of Boston, was laid before the same Committee, in-
closing a bill of lading for one thousand and eighty-seven
bushels of corn, being part of a very valuable contribution,
shipped on board the schooner Sally, James Perkins,
master, for the sufferers, from our respectable friends in
Essex County, in Virginia. The schooner was by contrary
winds driven to the island of St. Eustatia. Mr. Isaac Van
Dam, a reputable merchant of that place, generously took
the care of the corn, and, having made sale of it, remitted
the amount of the proceeds, (free of all expense,) being
one hundred seventy-one pounds 8/, New York currency,
in a bill of exchange, drawn on Mr. Isaac Moses, of that
city, which we doubt not will be duly honored.

The Committee very gratefully acknowledge their obliga-
tions to you, Gentlemen, for your trouble in transmitting
this charitable donation, and they request that you would
return their sincere thanks to the benevolent people of your
County, for their great liberality towards the oppressed
inhabitants of this devoted Town.

This is one among many testimonies afforded to us, that
the Virginians are warmly disposed to assist their injured
brethren and fellow-subjects in this place. This consider-
ation has hitherto encouraged our inhabitants to bear in-
dignities with patience, and having the continual approba-
tion of all the Colonies, with that of their own minds, as
being sufferers in the common cause of their country, I

Letter fro /n Perquimans County, N. C 85

am fully persuaded of their resolution, by God's assistance,
to persevere in the virtuous struggle, disdaining to pur-
chase an exemption from suffering by a tame surrender of
any part of the righteous claim of America. May Heaven
give wisdom and fortitude to each of the Colonies, and
succeed their [unremitted efforts, in the establishment of
public liberty on an immoveable foundation.

I am, in behalf of our Committee, Gentlemen, your
affectionate friend and countryman,

8. Adams.

L E T T E It F R M P E RQUI M A N S COl'N T Y , N . C .

Perquimans Co., 20th Sept., 177-1.

Hon'ble Gentlemen,

Joseph Hewes, Esq., appointed a Trustee with me, to
collect the donations of the inhabitants of two or three
Counties in the neighborhood of Edenton, for the relief of
our distressed brethren of Boston, being absent attending
the Constitutional Congress at Philadelphia, I have the
pleasure to send you, as per inclosed bill of lading, of the
sloop Penelope, Edward Herbert, master, which wish safe
to hand, and that you will cause the amount of the same
to be divided among the poor inhabitants according to their
necessities.

The captain has received the most of his freight here.
The balance will be paid him on return, the cargo to be
delivered clear of any expense ; which yon would have
received some months sooner, but the difficulty of getting
a vessel on freight, prevented. Hope to be able to send
another cargo this winter, for the same charitable purpose,
as the American inhabitants of this Colony entertain a just
sense of the sufferings of our brethren in Boston, and have
yet hopes that when the united determinations of the con-
tinent reaches the royal car, they will have redress from the
cruel, unjust, illegal and oppressive late Acts of the British
parliament. 1 take the liberty to inclose you the resolves
of our provincial meeting of Deputies, and have the honor

86 Reply to Perquimans County, N. C.

to be, with the most perfect respect and esteem, in behalf
of Mr. Hewes and self,

Honorable Gentlemen, your most obedient and very
humble servant,

John Harvey.

To the Honorable James Bowdoin, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and
Isaac Smith, Esqrs., and to the Honorable Committee of Correspon-
dence in Boston.

REPLY TO PERQUIMANS COUNTY.

Boston, Oct. 17 th, 1774.
Sir,

The 15th instant, Capt. Edward Herbert delivered to
the Committee of Donations your very acceptable favor,
dated Perquimans County, 20th Sept. ult, directed to the
honorable Mr. Bowdoin and others, inclosing a bill lading
for two thousand ninety-six and a half bushels of corn,
twenty-two barrels flour, and seventeen barrels of pork, a
noble and generous donation from our worthy brethren and
fellow-countrymen of two or three Counties in the neigh-
borhood of Edenton. We shall endeavor, in the distri-
bution of their charities, to answer the intention of the
benevolent donors. On this occasion it may not be impro-
per to communicate to you the method, in general, which
the Committee have gone into, respecting those charitable
donations which have come into their hands. We there-
fore refer you to the printed account thereof, which we
take the freedom to enclose, and we hope will be satisfac-
tory to all our friends, of whose bounties we partake.

The losses, sufferings, and distresses of this Province,
and of this once flourishing and happy Town, are really
great ; not possible to be expressed, not easy to be con-
ceived. We think that every day we carry our lives in our
hands ; and this apprehension and view of the case, is of
itself sufficient to nil the mind with such disquietude and
distress, as those, who are not immediately concerned, can-
not well conceive of. Our harbor is blocked up by men-
of-war, stationed in different parts, and the only avenue

Reply to Perquimans County, N. C. 87

into the Town, by land, secured by regular fortifications of
earth, erected on both sides said avenue, and containing
five or six pieces of cannon each, with wide and deep

ditches round the whole, except (at present) where said
fortification fronts upon said avenue, or main road. These
fastnesses arc erected about eighty or ninety rods southerly

I of the fortifications, (as the Town generally terms it,) or
walls, at the very entrance into the body of the Town,

I which entrance is about thirty or forty feet wide. Said
walls extend about seventy or eighty feet easterly and
westerly, from the sides of said entrance, and on them are
planted ten or twelve pieces of cannon more. To these
walls, the sea flows, as also to said avenue, — that is, just

; without the walls, and for the distance of ten or twelve rods

j on the eastern, and sixty or seventy rods on the western
side. Between these walls, and those fortifications of
earth, a regiment is encamped on both sides said avenue,
and there the soldiers are building barracks for themselves.

I Tour regiments yet remaiu encamped on the Common,

, where also they have ten or twelve pieces of cannon, with
soldiers belonging to the train. The regiment of Welch

j fuzilcers, remains encamped on Fort Hill, which is near

: the water, and nor far southerly of what we call the Long

I Wharf. Transports have some time ago sailed for New
York, to bring soldiers from thence, Philadelphia and the

| Jerseys. Also transports sailed sometime since to bring
two regiments from Quebec. Three companies of soldiers
lately arrived from Newfoundland, and it is said, six more
regiments may be expected from England, and sundry men-

] of- war.

If Great Britain is determined to effect the subjugation

i of Xorth America, at all events, the scene must be dread-

j ful. But, be their determination what it may, America[ns],
we trust, are determined, in the strength of God, not to

! surrender their rights and liberties, but with their lives.
But we hope, when the determination of the Colonies is
helieved on the other side the water, and the guilt of the

! injustice, oppression and cruelty of their measures stares
them in the face, they will deliberate twice, before they pro-
ceed to act once more. We think they have been greatly

| deceived ; we are sure we have been grossly misrepre-

88 Reply to Perquimans County, N. C.

sented ; and, when they are undeceived, it may be hoped
an alteration of measures may take place, which may God
in great mercy order, and prevent the effusion of precious
blood.

We thank you for the resolves of your provincial meet-
ing of Deputies, which you were so kind as to inclose.
We esteem them as manly, spirited and noble, worthy our
patriotic brethren of North Carolina. The tender concern
for, and honor done, this greatly injured and oppressed
Town and Province, expressed therein, demand our partic-
ular notice and grateful acknowledgments, which are hereby
tendered by this Committee in behalf of the Town. In
short, your bounty, of which we now partake so largely,
and the encouragement given of the increase thereof, lay
us under the greatest obligation, and make [us] almost
forget our misery. God grant that our endeavors to restore
and preserve the rights of our dear America, may be
attended with his favor and blessing ; then we may hope
that we shall have occasion, both he that soweth and he that
reapeth, to rejoice together in the salvation of our God and
Saviour. To him be all the glory.

You will please to present our sincere and affectionate
regards to the worthy gentleman, who is joined with you
in the matter of these charitable and seasonable donations,
and accept the same from,

Sir, your much obliged and very humble servant,

Davtfj Tt?T?VRTT^ J Per order of the Com-
AV1D JWiKih^j mittee of Don ations.

To the Honorable John Harvey, Esq., North Carolina.

Boston, Sept. 22d, 1774.
Mr. Elbridge Gerry,

Sir, — I am desired by the Committee of Donations, to
request the favor of you, or some of our friends, to buy for
us a load or two of wood, to pay as great a part as you
can out of the corn that was left with you by the North
Carolina vessel, about three weeks past. We understand
that corn sells at three shillings and four pence at Salem.
Please to excuse thus frequently troubling you, and be

Letter from Hartford. 89

assured the Committee are sensible of their great obliga-
tions to you, and their friends at Marblchcad.

, \ our friend and humble servant,

Nathaniel Appleton, per order.

LETTER FROM HARTFORD.

Hartford, 21st September, 1774.
Dear Sir,

I ship to your direction, by (apt. Peter Boyd, seven
hundred and thirty-eight bushels of rye, and one hundred
and eleven bushels of corn, the small but free gratuity of
the inhabitants of this Town, (which I wish safe to hand,)
for the use and benefit of the distressed inhabitants of the
Towns of Boston and Charlestown, for whose savage treat-
ment we feel the greatest emotions of resentment, whilst
we despise the tools of your oppression, and hope and pray
those blind leaders of the blind will soon fall into the pit
the} are digging for others, and have faith to believe, at a
future period shall have to congratulate you on the happy
event of this mighty struggle. At our last town meeting,
it was proposed to send half the grain to Charlestown,
supposing their distresses similar to yours, and the Town,
by a vote, left it to the discretion of their Committee, who
unanimously agreed that it seems to be reasonable it should
go half to Charlestown ; but at the same time submit the
matter to your discretion and disposal, and if you think
proper, Capt. Boyd will deliver to such persons as you shall
direct. Shall thank you for advice by Capt. Boyd, (if con-
venient,) to know what is received and how disposed of.

Whilst, 1 remain, your fast friend and humble servant,

C\ttm! Rr-TT ( In behalf of the Committee of Correa-
ALitLli IJKj L.L, | pondence for the Town of Hartford.

N. B. — Great part of the Committee are Commissioners
in the Militia, and arc zealous in promoting that noble (and
at this time necessary) exercise, and arc all out this day for
that purpose, which is one reason I am desired to forward
4th s. — vol. iv. 12

90 Reply to Hartford.

these by myself. In this small Town is a fine troop of
horse, a glorious company of cadets, two companies of
artillery, six companies of militia.

P. S. — Since I wrote these, am informed that a propor-
tion of all the donations are to be applied for the relief of
Charlestown ; if so, what I have said on that head is need-
less, and will have no operation, and I hope need no fur-
ther apology.

To Mr. David Jeffries,

REPLY TO HARTFORD.

Boston, October Uth, 1774.
Worthy Sir,

By Mr. John Brown, one of the Committee of Dona-
tions, who last Thursday returned from a journey to Salem,
I am favored with your letter, dated Hartford, 21st Septem-
ber, 1774, informing me that " you had shipped to my
direction, seven hundred and thirty-eight bushels of rye,
and one hundred and eleven bushels of corn, the small but
free gratuity of the inhabitants of that Town, for the use
and benefit of the distressed inhabitants of the Towns of
Boston and Charlestown." I particularly note what you
write respecting our worthy brethren of Charlestown, with
whom the inhabitants of this Town are entirely united in
sentiment, love and affection. They doubtless feel, in a
measure, what we feel ; they feel for us and feel for them-
selves, and stand ready to afford us all the advice and assist-
ance in their power ; but their poor and necessitous, I
apprehend, are few, when compared with ours. They have
no troops stationed in their Town, nor consequently are
they exposed to the daily insults and abuses of the soldiery,
as is the case with us ; nor do they every day carry their
lives as it were in their hands, as we apprehend we do.
This notwithstanding, agreeable to the information you
had received, they receive a proportion of all the donations
transmitted to the care of this Committee. We, on the
other hand, receive a proportion of all donations sent to the
pare of their Committee.

It seems proper here to inform you, that about eight or

Repfy to Hartford <)l

ten weeks ago, their Committee applied to this Committee,
on the matter of donations. Upon the whole, it was pro-
posed, and finally was mutually agreed, that it would be
equal and just for our brethren of Charlestown, all things

considered, to share and receive seven percent on all dona-
tions. About that time there was a legal meeting of this
Town, to whom the proposal was recommended, and a vote
was accordingly passed, agreeable to said proposal.

What a spirit of union — what a spirit of love and affec-
tion has diffused itself through this continent ! What a
spirit of Christian sympathy, tender compassion, and liber-
ality towards this once happy and flourishing, but now
greatly injured and oppressed Town, has our gracious God
excited in our dear friends and fellow-countrymen ! It
almost causes us to forget our afflictions and distresses.
However, it greatly alleviates our troubles, refreshes our
spirits, and supports us under our great distresses, which
truly are such as require no small degree of prudence,
moderation, firmness and resolution, faith and patience. If
in any of these instances, this insulted and abused people
have been enabled so to conduct hitherto, as that the gospel
of God our Saviour has been honored, and the expectations
and wishes of our fellow-countrymen answered, may God
have all the glory.

Our grateful acknowledgments are first due to God, and
then to our generous countrymen for their munificence,
particularly to the patriotic inhabitants of Hartford. They
are hereby presented by the Committee of Donations, in
behalf of this Town, who unite in the prayers which, were
yesterday (our public lecture day, being on account of our
peculiar distressing circumstances, appointed by the minis-
ters of the Town, to be observed as a day of prayer) offered
to God, in behalf of our sympathizing and liberal bene-
factors, that he would reward them a thousand fold into
their own bosoms.

Our union will, under God, be our strength, our beauty,
our safety. We are not yet intimidated ; by his blessing
we shall persevere, and in due time reap the happy fruits
of our care and pain, our toils and labors. If we may be
the instruments under Providence, in any degree, of pre-
serving and securing the rights and liberties of North

92 Letter from Chelmsford.

America, we shall esteem ourselves highly honored and
abundantly compensated. May repentance, love, and gos-
pel obedience be promoted by these trials, and by the salva-
tion which God may grant unto us. If you will please to
look into the Boston prints of .26 and 29 September, you will
there see an account of the manner in which the Commit-
tee conduct and distribute the kind charities of our friends.
This I judge will supersede the necessity of entering into
particulars on this head.

I find that a military spirit seems almost universally to
prevail. The times call for the exertions of such a spirit.
The art of war is noble, manly, I could wish 1 were not obliged
to say necessary. I am sure it will be grateful to every
true hearted American, that Hartford is so well prepared to
" speak with the enemy in the gate." I wish the gentle-
men of the military order the divine presence and blessing
at all times.

With particular respects to your brethren of the Com-
mittee of Correspondence, I remain, Sir, your much obedi-
ent and affectionate friend and servant,

TJAVTri Tt?T?T?-RTT?Q ( Per order of the Com-
J^AVIJJ J.h^.fcKl.hb, j mittee of Donations.

Caleb Bull, Esq., and others,

Committee of Correspondence in Hartford.

P. S. — I have referred you to the newspapers of 26 and
29 September. The inclosed is a copy of what this Com-
mittee then communicated to the public, which will prevent
the trouble in looking over the newspapers.

LETTER FROM CHELMSFORD.

Chelmsford, 26th September, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We, the Committee of Correspondence of the Town
of Chelmsford, take this opportunity of transmitting a quan-
tity of grain, collected for the use of your poor. We are
happy to have it in our power, by any means, to show our
affection for a Town, who are so eminently suffering in the

Reply to Chelmsford. !);]

common cause. As we entertain the highest esteem of

your conduct, we are willing not only to sympathize, but
*Aari with you in your troubles.

And should you, by the hand of power, be driven from

jlyoiir habitations, we welcome you to our own ; and trust,

that in those, at present, abodes of peace and liberty, you

enjoy a superior satisfaction to those who are aiming " to

j raise their greatness on their country's ruin."

We are, Gentlemen, with much esteem,

Your humble servants,

Jon a. Williams Austin, j 5a?SSSS5£"

[Received 4.0 bushels rye, and stored it in the Granary.]

REPLY TO CHELMSFORD.

Boston, Oct. M, 1774.

bin,

To commiserate the afflicted, to sympathize with the
oppressed sufferer, to reach out the bounteous hand for the
comfort, relief and support of the distressed, are sacrifices
w T ell pleasing and acceptable to God through Christ our
Saviour.

Our worthy friends and brethren of Chelmsford have in
this way done honor to the gospel of our divine Redeemer,
and by so doing have greatly honored themselves. We
have an evidence hereof in the very kind donation of forty
bushels of rye, from the patriotic inhabitants of that Town ;
it has been received and housed in the Granary, and shall
be disposed of agreeable to the benevolent intent of the
generous donors.

It affords us great satisfaction to find that the conduct
of this much abused Town meets with their approbation.
We greatly value it, and trust that, by the same gracious
directing and supporting Hand which has brought us
hitherto, we shall not be left to do any thing [which] may
incur a forfeiture of your affection and esteem. How can
ye help us at such a time as this, more effectually, than by
carrying our cause daily to the God of all grace, and im-

94 - Letter from Berwick.

ploring his mercy and favor for us. They are inclusive of
all good.

Your invitation to make your houses our homes, is very
engaging, should we at length be forced out of these
once peaceful habitations ; we think ourselves very happy
that we are like to be well provided for ; but should we be
obliged even to remove off fifteen times the distance of
Chelmsford, yet the consciousness of a cordial attachment'
to the invaluable civil and religious liberties of our country,
which we believe to be the cause of truth and righteous-
ness, would yield us abundant satisfaction, far superior to
that which those can experience who are ungratefully seek- ■
ing to " build their greatness on their country's ruin."

With grateful acknowledgments, I am, Sir,

" Your truly obliged friend and servant,

David Jeffries. < Per order of the Com -

raittee of Donations.

To Jona. Williams Austin, at Chelmsford.

LETTER FROM BERWICK.

Berwick, Sept. 21th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

This Town has taken the distressed circumstances of'
yours into consideration, and have raised a small sum for
the relief of the industrious poor of your Town, in oxen
and sheep, (the number of which see N. B.,) and have sent
you by the bearers hereof, viz., Messrs. Gilbert Warren and
James Brackett, who are so generous as to take it upon
them. We are poor here, cash and provisions scarce with
us, but the spirit of liberty runs so high among us, that it j
appears evident to me that we shall exert ourselves to the
utmost of our power, even to hazard life itself, before we
shall be willing to give up the noble cause we are contend-
ing. We esteem what we have now sent you but as a
token of respect for your suffering in the cause of your \
country, and doubt not as the call is, so will be our liber-
ality towards our suffering brethren. Please to write me

Reply to Berwick. 95

by the bearer, of your receiving the token of respect of this

Town.

In behalf of the Committee, I am, Gentlemen, your sin-
cere friend and humble servant,

Wm, Rogers.

[N. B. (i oxen, '-2(> sheep.]

P. S. — Something more subscribed, not yet collected —
hope shortly to collect it, and send it in specie.
To the Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston.

REPLY TO BERWICK.

l>osto)i, 3d October, 1774.
Sir,

Your favor of 27th September last, directed to the
Overseers of the Town of Boston, came to the hands of
the Committee of Donations the 1st instant. The contents
are very affecting-, and discover a truly benevolent spirit.
In behalf of this Town please to accept of our grateful
acknowledgment to our worthy and patriotic friends and
countrymen, the inhabitants of Berwick. We are partic-
ularly obliged to Messrs. Gilbert Warren and James Brack-
ett, for their care and trouble in handing to us twenty-six
sheep and six oxen, the very generous donation from your
Town, which shall be applied to the purpose for which it
was intended.

Such expressions of sympathy and kindness, not in word
and tongue only, but in deed and in truth, serve to convince
us that Berwick, as well as Boston, are engaged in the
same glorious cause ; the cause, as we believe, of truth and
righteousness, and which we hope our gracious God, the
God of New England, will enable us earnestly to contend
for, and will himself maintain and defend, and in his own
time and way grant abundant reason to give thanks unto
his holy name, and to triumph in his praise.

It seems the same spirit of true constitutional liberty
animates this widely extended continent, perhaps Canada
not excepted. The inhabitants there have lately sent us
one thousand bushels of wheat, and we are informed they
design to send more.

96 Letter from Lebanon.

Your intentions to afford us further relief, demand par-
ticular notice and sincere thanks. Our embarrassments
and distresses are not small, but hitherto God hath helped
us. By his help and blessing we are determined to perse-
vere, and by the same we may be assured that our conflict,
though ever so sharp, shall be crowned with success. To
him let us continually direct our prayers of faith, and in
this way wait and hope for His salvation.

We are, Sir, your affectionate, obliged friends and coun-
trymen,

David Jeffries, j S^dSSST
To Mr. William Rogers, Berwick.

LETTER FROM LEBANON.

Lebanon, Oct. 3d, 1774.
Worthy and Dear Gentlemen,

As I am sensible your time is very precious and im-
portant, will only trouble you with advice that you will, by
Capt. Hyde, receive the small remainder of our small col-
lection, for the relief of your poor, yet virtuous and
oppressed people, groaning under hateful and accursed
tyranny. We greatly applaud your firmness and resolution.
On that, and the concurring zeal, virtue and patriotism of
the united continent depends alone, under God, your and
our salvation. Deliverance will arise, and that shortly.
The principles we maintain are founded in eternal truth
and justice, and they must and will prevail. We can
scarcely endure your suffering the tyrant Gage, with his
insignificant phalanx, to make themselves strong at the
entrance of your city, and think the vengeance too tardy.
Yet I believe wisdom will justify your patience, and mod-
eration increase your fortitude.

I am, with great respect, your devoted and affectionate
friend and servant,

William Williams.

It is impossible that any but the enemies of God and
their country should censure your conduct in managing

Reply to Lebanon. 97

the charities, Sec. Is it possible the wretch, by fortifying,
should think to render it more facile to seize some of your
illustrious patriots I I. trust he (hire not.

To Doct. Joseph Warren,

and the rest of the Committee of Donations, Boston.

REPLY TO LEBANON.

Boston, Oct. \\th, 1774.
Sir,

Your very agreeable favor of 3d instant, accompany-
ing another kind donation of eight cattle, from our worthy
brethren of Lebanon, we are now to acknowledge the
receipt of. It gives us the highest pleasure to find, not
only our brethren in Connecticut, but through the Colonies,
strengthening our hands and encouraging our hearts. We
in this Town are doing every thing in our power, to ward
off' the blow aimed at North America, and are for the good
of the whole, patiently bearing a very heavy burden. But
when we find, by your letters and generous donations, you
feel for us, and are stretching every nerve to support and
vindicate our rights, so cruelly wrested from us, it gives us
a determined spirit to persevere and endure burdens which
otherwise would be intolerable. We think with you, that
" deliverance will shortly come." May our faith and
patience hold out ; they may, and we expect will be tried,
but let us endure. We trust God will not give up this
country, which he has done such great things for, which at
this clay seems the only asylum of civil and religious liberty
for mankind.

Notwithstanding the formidable appearance at our gates,
with cannon mounted against the country, we are not
intimidated. You, and the rest of our brethren in the
country, give us courage. May we all have wisdom and
patience, moderation and fortitude, and commit our cause to
Him who judgeth righteously, and then we need not fear.
I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

T> rYT , A T-tTTx: ' Per ordor of the Com-
Ut,y J A. ilLMl.N, J mittce of Donations.

Mr. Wm. Williams, at Lebanon, in Connecticut.

4th S. VOL. TV. . 13

98 Letter from Farmington.

„ Boston, October 13th, 1774.

CrENTLEMEN,

The Committee of Donations beg the favor that you
will deliver the inclosed letter to Capt. Joseph Jones, on
board the schooner Polly, bound to Maryland, from your
place. It is in answer to a letter he brought with a dona-
tion of one thousand bushels corn, from Worcester County,
Maryland.

I am, Gentlemen, your humble servant, by order of the
Committee of Donations,

Alex'r Hodgdon, Clerk.

To the Committee of Correspondence at Marble head.

LETTER FROM FARMINGTON.

q Farmington, Oct. Uh, 1774.

I have shipped on board Capt. Loveman's 1 sloop, bound
for Boston, one hundred and forty-nine bushels of grain,
contributed by the inhabitants of the parish of Southing-
ton, in Farmington, for the relief of the industrious poor
of the Town of Boston, who are suffering under the hand
of power, viz., twenty- two and a half bushels of wheat, one
hundred and eighteen bushels of rye, nine and a half bush-
els corn, which I have ordered Capt. Loveman to deliver to
yourself, excepting so much, which he is to take out at the
market price, to pay the freight of said grain, which freight
is to be 4:^d. the bushel. Your compliance herewith will
much oblige

Your friend and humble servant,

Jonathan Eoot, j *fr&%£S££?
To David Jeffries, Esq., Treasurer of Boston, and the Committee.

REPLY TO FARMINGTON.

q Boston, November 15th, 1774.

I received your very acceptable favor per Capt. Love-
land, 1 dated Farmington, October 4, 1774, which I commu-

1 This name is printed as it appears in the MS.

Reply to Farming ton. 9!)

nicated to the Committee of Donations. Benevolence and
bounty demand suitable returns of gratitude. This Com-
mittee, therefore, in behalf of this much abused and dis-
tressed Town, present their thankful acknowledgments to
our worthy brethren, the patriotic inhabitants of Southing-
ton, in Farmington, for their generous donation of grain,
which (apt. Loveland has delivered in good order, and
shall be applied, agreeable to the intent of our charitable
benefactors, viz., " for the relief of the industrious poor of
the Town of Boston, who are suffering under the hand of
bower." For the satisfaction of such of our friends and
fellow-countrymen, particularly, who not only sympathize
with us, but afford their seasonable relief, under our great
oppressions, I now inclose a printed account of the pro-
ceedings of the Committee respecting the donations with
which we arc intrusted, and I hope it will meet with your
and their approbation.

The Town is now filled with soldiers, who are gone into
barracks, dispersed in every part. Some suppose their
number to be four, others five thousand. Be that as it
may, we are not intimidated, and by the continuance of the
divine blessing and favor, we shall remain undaunted, and
rise superior, not only to all the power, but also to all the
policy of our enemies ; and, w T hile " they are brought down
and fallen, we shall rise and stand upright," rejoicing in
the salvation of our God.

This day I saw a letter, dated London, Sept. 3d, 1774,
from a person of distinction to a gentleman here. He
writes to this purpose, that " he might have been expected
over into these parts, but his friends urged his stay in Lon-
don, until the result of the Congress should be known, —
that the spirit, temper and firmness of this people, and
their union respecting their rights, greatly surprised and
disappointed our enemies, — that the current of conversa-
tion, which heretofore had been much against us, was
turned in our favor, and he (the writer) doubted not that
by the time the Parliament met, it would be as general in
our favor, as it had been against us ; and that there would
be a great number of our friends in Parliament the next
session, — that the non-consumption agreement, if faithfully
adhered to, must be the ruin of the Ministry ; and our

Sir, your very humble servant,
David Jefi
To Mr. Jonathan Root, Southington

Da t-tti Tt?i?t?x?tt?c! \ rer order and in behalf of the
AVID JLilKlLb, Committee of Donations.

LETTER FROM COVENTRY.

Coventry, Connecticut, Oct. l\th, [4/A,] 1774.

To the Committee of the Towns of Boston and Charlestown, appointed
to receive and distribute the charitable donations for the benefit of
the poor, suffering in consequence of the late cruel and oppressive
Act commonly called the Port Bill.

Gentlemen,

After proper compliments, [we] beg leave to express
our deep concern from a consideration of the threatening
aspect of American liberty in general, and the most cruel
and arbitrary hand of vengeance stretched over your Prov-
ince and your respective Towns in particular, (by the afore-
said cruel Act,) which hath exhibited universal detestation
on the oppressors and compassion on the oppressed ; which
matters we have had under serious consideration in town
meeting, and upon mature deliberation have passed some
resolves, wherein we have fully expressed our sentiments
with regard to American liberties generally, as you may
see at your leisure ; and also appointed a Committee to take
in subscriptions for the relief of your poor, who have made
a small collection of about two hundred and twenty sheep,
partly stores and partly market sheep ; and we have given
orders to dispose of the stores on the road, (if opportunity
presents,) and remit to you the net proceeds, which we
send by the hands of our Committee, Capt. Samuel Robert-
son, Capt. Elias Buell, and Mr. Daniel Pomroy, hoping
our inability will atone for the smallness of our gratuity.

100 Letter from Coventry.

friends would succeed ; when we might hope for such a
constitution from the King, Lords and Commons, as would
be agreeable to us, and for the benefit of the whole em-
pire." This intelligence may be depended on.

I hope we shall be able, shortly, to communicate further n
agreeable accounts. In the mean time remain, with much
affection and esteem,

Reply to Coventry. 101

It is the direction of this Town, that the Town of Charles-
town share with Boston, in proportion to their necessities,
and desire yon will direct accordingly, or in such propor-
tion as in your wisdom shall judge just. We applaud the
wisdom, prudence, and fortitude of your measures, and
consider you as suffering in the common cause, and wish
you firmness and patience in your sufferings and trials, (in
which we sympathize,) hoping deliverance may soon arrive,
and America be restored to our ancient franchises, and a
happy, permanent union with the mother country estab-
lished 14)011 a just foundation, which is the hearty desire of
your affectionate friends and humble servants,

Emu aim Root, "]

Eben'r Kingsbury, j Committee

Eli as Buell,

Jno. Crocker,

William Willson,

To the Gentlemen Committee,

Overseers of the Poor for the Towns of Boston and Charlcstown.

Correspondence.

REPLY TO COVENTRY.

Boston, Oct. \i)th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

By our worthy friends, Capt. Samuel Eobertson, Capt.
Elias Buell, and Mr. Daniel Pomroy, we received your very
obliging letter, dated Coventry, in Connecticut, October 4,
1774, informing us that you had sent two hundred and
twenty sheep, for the benefit and relief of the poor in
Boston and Charlcstown, suffering in consequence of the
late cruel and oppressive Act, commonly called the Boston
Port Bill. "We consider our brethren of Charlestown more
immediately affected, and now suffering by means of the
aforesaid cruel Act, and in consequence of an interview
eight or ten weeks ago between the Committee of Corres-
pondence of said Charlcstown, and the Committee of Dona-
tions of this Town, it was proposed, and mutually agreed,
that Charlestown should be entitled to seven per cent on
all donations transmitted for the benevolent purposes afore-
mentioned. This proposal was about that time communi-
cated to this Town, at their legal meeting, and a vote passed

102 Letter from Waterbury.

agreeable thereto. It affords us particular pleasure that
the act of this Town is so conformable to the sentiments
and direction of our generous friends in Coventry. You
are pleased to make an apology for the smallness " of this
gratuity." This we look upon as expressions of your \
Christian sympathy and strong affection towards us, and
your earnest desire to relieve, comfort and support us under
our grievous trials and sufferings. If we have been ena-
bled, hitherto, so to conduct, as to meet with the approba-
tion of our fellow-countrymen, we cannot but experience a
satisfaction far superior to what those can feel, whose joys <
arise from the prospect they think they have, of building i
their greatness on their country's ruin. We stand in need of
great degrees of wisdom, prudence, fortitude, firmness and
patience, -while struggling in the glorious cause of true
constitutional freedom and liberty. The God of New Eng- ;
land hath hitherto helped us ; to him, therefore, the whole
glory is due, and to him we must render it. It greatly con-
cerns us that we do not sacrifice to our own net, and burn
incense to our own drag. By the influence and help of the
same gracious, Almighty Being, we shall yet persevere,
until desired peace and harmony between Great Britain
and the Colonies, shall again take place, and never be
interrupted more.

The cordial acknowledgments of this Committee, in
behalf of the Town of Boston, are hereby presented, and
we trust will be accepted by our brethren of Coventry.

We are, with great affection and esteem, Gentlemen,
your obliged friends and fellow-countrymen,

David Jeffries, j Pe ™ r d f e

To Mr. Ephraim Root and others,

Committee of Correspondence at Coventry.

LETTER FROM WATERBURY.

Waterbury, Oct. bth, 1774.
Gentlemen,

A few of the inhabitants of Waterbury, first society,
in the Colony of Connecticut, sensible of the sufferings you

er the Commit-
Donations.

Reply to Waterbury. \m

ire under by the hand oi oppression, in the cause of
American liberty, have made a small collection toward your
elief. viz. forty-eight and a half bushels of rye, three and

i half bushels wheat, and three 1 barrels rye Hour, marked

L, which is to be shipped to-morrow, and sent by Capt.

lice, the bearer hereof, to be disposed of at your discretion,
or the use of the needy in that Port, now blocked up, by
ivhich means the inhabitants are very unjustly deprived of
the ordinary means of life. Freight and customary dues
o be deducted and paid said Rice. There are also other
ttllections making in other parts of this Town; whether
hey can be forwarded to Boston before winter, is uncer-
ain. We rejoice that so many through the several Colo-
hies consider you as suffering in the common cause of
iberty, and are spirited for your support in it. We are
Had to hear of your steadfastness and perseverance, tem-
pered with prudence and patience under insults and abuses,
[t has given us pleasure to see the animated resolutions
bf your County of Suffolk. May Heaven succeed your
Lttempts to recover your just rights.

We are your affectionate and feeling friends,

Josiaii Hopkins, 1

Ezra Bronson, In the

Isaac Bronson, Jun., [> name
Timo. Clark, | of others.

Ebenezer Beardsey, J

To the Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston.

RE ELY TO WATERBURY.

Boston, Nov. 11th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Your kind letter of the 5th nit. directed to the Over-
leers of this Town, this Committee have received, with the
tenerous donation of our brethren, the inhabitants of
kVatcrbury, first society, for which we sincerely thank you,
pd for the notice you give us that " other collections were
naking in other parts of the Town, but whether they can
pe forwarded before winter, you say, is uncertain." This
|ve leave with you, not doubting you will do every thing in

104 Letter of Committee.

your power to forward any donations that may be made for
this distressed Town, as the necessities of many, this win-
ter, will be great. It is great alleviation to us in the diffi-
culties we are groaning under, that our brethren, not only ,
in Waterbury, but throughout the Colony of Connecticut, j
are sympathizing with us, and are so generously supplying
the necessities of many in this Town, who are deprived of
getting a subsistence by the cruel Port Bill. We consider
it as a common cause, and hope God will enable us to
make such a stand in opposing these cruel and tyrannical
acts of the British Parliament, levelled particularly against
this Province, as that all America will reap the benefit
thereof; and we are determined, by divine assistance, not
to betray or give up the rights of America.

I am, in behalf of the Committee of Donations, Gentle-
men, your much obliged humble servant,

Ben. Austin, j £%£$&.

To Messrs. Joseph Hopkins, Ezra Bronson, Isaac Bronson, Jun.,
Timo. Clark, and Ebenezer Beardsey, Waterbury, in Connecticut.

LETTER OF COMMITTEE.

Boston, October 10th, 1774.
Eichard Derby, Esq.,

Sir, — Inclosed is invoice of the rice. You will per- -
ceive that we have not got the weight of the casks from 1 1
to 20, but there is the total weight, therefore suppose it I
will be equal between the buyer and seller to sell, the
number from 1 to 10, at 540 net, and from 11 to 20 at
520 lbs. net, each. As the season for conveying safely will
soon be over, we shall be glad you would ship us the
remainder of the rice, upon the easiest terms you can. It
is very probable some vessels that want to come to this
Town to winter, or repair, will be glad to take it on board
to enable them to come into this port. We are much
obliged to you for your care in these affairs, and when you

Letter from New Hartford. 105

send up the rice, please to forward an account of the
charges that have attended the same for payment.

We are, with great esteem,

By order of the Committee,

Nath'l Appleton.

[At Salem.]

1, K T T E R F R M N E W II A It T FORI).

New Hartford, Oct 10*A, 1774.
Dear Sir,

The bearer of this is Mr. Aaron Austin, of New Hart-
ford, in the County of Litchfield, who is one of the Com-
mittee of Correspondence elected in this Town, who waits
on you with our requests to be informed what kinds of
supplies arc most wanted for the poor in Boston and
Charlestown. that our charity might he directed suitable to
their necessities, and to manifest our most hearty regards
to you, amidst the late distresses in Boston, arising from
the very unjust and severe policy of the British administra-
tion. We heartily sympathize with you, gentlemen, in
your late distresses, and you may depend on our continued
and most vigorous exertions in your favor, in all those w r ays
and methods suited to our condition, and which may gen-
erally be adopted, as is most proper and effectual, to
remove your present unhappy circumstances, and to restore
your safety and prosperity. And we most heartily congrat-
ulate you on the late discovery of your firmness, fortitude,
and unanimity in defence of your valuable rights and priv-
ileges, lately exhibited by your very worthy and patriotic
delegates for the County of Suffolk, and the hearty appro-
bation of the General Congress, of your spirited and judi-
cious resolves. Our dependence still is, that you will
resolutely persevere in the defence of our common liberties
and privileges, with all that wisdom and prudence suitable
to so alarming an occasion, so as still to merit the approba-
4th s. — vol. iv. 14

106 Reply to New Hartford.

tion of all the brave and free people in America, and even j
of millions yet unborn.

We remain, Gentlemen, your very humble servants, truly
and zealously engaged in one common and important
cause,

The Committee of Correspondence in New Hartford.

Joseph Cowls, } Committee
Seth Smith, > of

Edw'd Merrell, ) Correspondence.

To Joseph Warren, Esq.,

Chairman of the Committee of Correspondence in Boston.

REPLY TO NEW HARTFORD.

Boston, Oct. 22d, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Your favor of 10th instant, per Mr. Aaron Austin,
directed to Doctor Warren, was by him communicated to
the Committee appointed by this Town, for receiving and
distributing the generous donations of our sympathizing
brethren. We observe your request to be informed what
kind of supplies are most wanted for the poor in Boston
and Charles town, that your charity may be directed suitable
to their necessities ; and for answer say, that any kind of
provisions will be acceptable to us, and we cheerfully leave
it to our benevolent friends in New Hartford, to send those
which will be attended with the least trouble and inconven-
ience to themselves, or, if money could be sent with less
difficulty than provisions, it will be equally agreeable and
as gratefully received.

We sincerely thank you for the sympathy you express
for us under our severe trials, and for the kind assurances
of your ' continued and most vigorous exertions in our
favor, in all those ways and methods suited to our condi-
tion, and which may be generally adopted as the most
proper and effectual to remove our present unhappy cir-
cumstances, and restore our safety and prosperity.' It
affords us great consolation under all our troubles, that our
conduct meets with the approbation and applause of our

Letter from Grototi. 107

friends and brethren, and we can assure you that our firm-
ness, fortitude, and unanimity in defence of our rights and
privileges, remain unshaken, amidst all the dangers with
which we art' surrounded. AW 4 trust our cause is good,
and in a humble dependence on the Almighty for all those
supplies of wisdom and fortitude we stand in need of, we
are determined vigorously to exert ourselves in its support
and defence, hoping we shall ere long have the happiness
of seeing fair liberty, that heavenly plant, again flourishing
in the fertile fields of America. We consider ourselves
uncountable to our generous benefactors for the distribution
of their charities, and have therefore enclosed you an
account which we published some time ago, for the satis-
faction of the public, and flatter ourselves it will meet with
your approbation.

We are. Gentlemen, your affectionate, though greatly
distressed friends and brethren,

Ht\t?v TTttt i Per order the Cdm-
lj * Nlu lliLL : I mittee of Donations.

To Joseph Cowls, Seth Smith, and Edward Merrcll,

Committee of Correspondence, New Hartford.

LETTER FROM GROTOX.

Grototi, llth October, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Your agreeable favor of 18th August we received, and
observe your leaving the time with us, with regard to send-
ing the amount of the Groton subscription, which we now
send by our friends, William Morgan, Esq., and Oapt.
Joseph Gallop, which subscription amounts to one hundred
and twenty-eight sheep, and seven young fat cattle, all
which we hope will arrive safe with you, and to satisfaction.
In our letter to you of the 10th of August, we never made
mention of the poor of Charlestown, but am sure they will
not be forgotten by you, Gentlemen of the Committee.
The Gentlemen of this Town seem to be disposed to sub-
scribe as much more for the support of the poor with you,

108 Reply to Groton.

if needed. We hope and believe you will all stand firm in
the grand cause of liberty, and be assured of our prayers
to the divine Being, that he will direct and bless you in
this critical day.

We are, Gentlemen, your sincere friends and very humble
servants,

"\A7\t T t?-t»v a -d t-» S Per order of the rest
V\ M. IjEDI ARD, j of the committee.

To Nath'l Appleton, Esq.,

and the rest of the Committee for Donations in Boston.

REPLY TO GROTON.

Boston, 18th October, 1774.
Dear Sir,

We have to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed
favor of the 11th inst., accompanying the generous dona-
tion of our brethren of Groton, viz., one hundred and
twenty-eight sheep, and seven fat cattle, and to thank you
for the kind assurances you give us, if need be, of your
further support. The sympathy and kindness of our breth-
ren in Connecticut, refreshes and comforts our poor and
necessitous, and encourages the hearts of the more affluent,
in this greatly distressed Town, whose melancholy situation,
and much more melancholy prospect, the coming winter,
calls for pity and the prayers of all good men. The cause
we are contending for, we think a righteous one, and when
our liberties, civil and religious, with our lives and prop-
erty, are all at stake, we may then venture to appeal to
Him who judgeth righteously.

You and our friends in Groton may be assured, that we
in this Town think nothing too dear to part with, that
America may enjoy her constitutional rights ; ever bearing
in our minds, that we are making this stand, not for our-
selves only, but for posterity. And while we are assured of
" your prayers to the divine Being that he will direct and
bless us in this critical day," we hope he will, in his own
time and way, defend and save us.

We would acquaint you that this Committee, very early,
met a Committee of our brethren of Charles town, and

Letter from Marblehead. L09

mutually agreed they should receive seven per cent of all
donations, and accordingly they are receiving the same.

We are, with great esteem,

Sir, your most obliged friend and humble servant,

P, VT V ttbtt'n } Pe* order of the Com-

I>1-.NJ. -'V I M I .\ , j mittee of Donations.

To William Lcclyard, Esq., Groton, Connecticut.

LETTER FROM MARBLEHEAD.

Marblehead, Oct. 12///, 1774.

Gentlemen,

In compliance with your desire, we have procured a
vessel to receive and carry to Boston the cargo of corn,
mentioned in your favor. We were unable to conduct the
matter so prudently as you hoped, as we could find no
vessel bound to Boston, that could take it. However, we
presume it will come now almost, if not altogether freight
tree, as the owner of the vessel who brings it is too benefi-
cently disposed to permit his master to receive freight on
such an occasion, and the master has generously determined
to receive none, till he has the approbation of his owner,
(who is now absent.) It affords us the highest satisfaction
to hear of, and see the truly charitable donations pouring
in from all the Colonies to your much distressed and
worthy inhabitants, which we hope, under Providence, will
animate them patiently to hear the iron hand of affliction
which is upon them, rather than suffer themselves, with all
America, to be subjugated to the yoke of ministerial ty-
ranny and oppression. We are too deeply impressed with
a sense of your present burdens, not truly to sympathize
with you under them ; but being assured of the righteous-
ness of our cause, we humbly trust that lie, who is higher
than the highest, will hear our groans and grant us all a

110 Letter from Monmouth County, N. J.

speedy and permanent deliverance; which is the ardent I
wish of,

Gentlemen, your humble servant, by the desire of the
Committee of Correspondence,

J. Orne.

To the Committee of Donations at Boston.

LETTER FROM MONMOUTH COUNTY, N. J.

County of Monmouth, New Jersey, Oct. 12th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We send consigned to you, per Capt. Brown, twelve
hundred bushels rye, and fifty barrels of rye meal, being
the donation of the County of Monmouth, for the relief of
your suffering poor. And we doubt not it will be faith-
fully applied to the purpose intended by the donors ; and !
should a further supply be hereafter necessary to enable
your devoted Town to stem the torrent of ministerial and
parliamentary vengeance, we doubt not to be able to obtain
from our constituents, a considerable addition to this. We j
rely, under God, upon the firmness and resolution of your
people, and earnestly hope they will never think of re-
ceding from the glorious ground they stand upon, while
the blood of freedom runs in their veins, and while a sup-
ply can be found from the other parts of America for their
needy inhabitants. You will be kind enough to furnish
Capt. Brown, (whom we recommend to you as a gentleman
much to be relied upon in the transaction of any business,)
with your receipt for his cargo ; and, in addition to that,
please to favor us with any information, either respecting
your present situation or the general cause of American
liberty, and it shall be thankfully acknowledged by us,
who beg leave to subscribe ourselves, with real esteem, your
most humble servants,

The Committee of the County of Monmouth, in the
Colony of New Jersey.

By order, Edward Taylor, Chairman.

Mr. William Cooper,

Town Clerk of the Committee of Correspondence of Boston.

Reply to Monmouth ( 1 ounty. 1 1 1

REPLY TO MONMOUTH COUNTY.

Boston, 21st October^ 1774.

MR,

The kind and generous donation of the County of
Monmouth, in the Jerseys, we are now to acknowledge,
and with grateful hearts to thank yon therefor, having
received from the Committee of said County, per Captain
Brown, eleven hundred and forty bushels rye, and fifty
barrels rye meal, for the suffering poor of this Town, which
shall be applied to the purpose intended by the donors.
And what further cheers our hearts, is your kind assurances
of a further supply, if necessary, to enable ns to oppose
the cruel Parliamentary Acts, levelled not only against this
Town, but our whole constitution. We in this Town are
indeed suffering- greatly by the Tort Bill, &c, but as it is
the cause of America, we the more patiently bear the
leavy burthen, nor shall we reckon anything too clear to
acrificc for the constitutional rights of our brethren
throughout the Colonies, nor even think of receding from,
or giving up, those rights. As we arc not insensible of
the noble exertions and generous donations of our brethren
of the Jerseys, and throughout the Colonies, we patiently
Dear the burdens Providence has been pleased first to lay
on us, not doubting but that all America will, with one
mart, oppose every unconstitutional Act of Parliament,
that shall any ways infringe upon our charters, and the
lights which, as men, God and nature have given us.

You, our brethren, pity us, and we doubt not, pray for
us, but you cannot be fully sensible of what we bear ; our
extensive trade being stopped and ruined, carries such a
train of evils with it, that we cannot enumerate, and there-
fore will not pretend to describe them. Your own reflec-
tions will furnish you with some idea of our deplorable
circumstances, better than we can picture it. We would
only say, as to our present situation, that our Castle, the key
of the Provinces, is in the hands of the troops ; our harbor
clogged with ships of war; our Town filled with six regi-
ments, and more coming ; the entrance of the Town forti-
fied by a strong entrenchment, and cannon pointed against
the whole* country. Hut we are not discouraged. God

112 Letter to Marblehead.

has done great things for ns ; he is still helping, and we
trust he will, in his own time and way, deliver us.

I am, with great respect and esteem, for the Committee
of Donations in this Town,

Sir, your most obliged, humble servant,

Benj. Austin, per order.

To Mr. William [Edwd.] Taylor, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

LETTER TO MARBLEHEAD.

Boston, 1 October 15th, 1774.
Sir,

Capt. Edw'd Herbert has this morning delivered the
Committee of Donations, a letter from John Harvey and
Joseph Hewes, Esqrs., of North Carolina, inclosing a bill
of lading for two thousand ninety-six and a half bushels of
corn, twenty-two barrels flour, and seventeen barrels pork,
a generous present from the patriotic inhabitants of Per-
quimans County.

We must again request your favor in giving such advice 1
and assistance to Capt. Herbert, as he may need. The

1 The following description of Boston is copied from the Boston Gazette, of'
Monday, October 17, 1774 : — " Upwards of five months have expired since this
devoted Town has experienced all the horrors of the Port Bill ; and as if these I
were not sufficient to satiate the malice of our enemies, severities which that
Act, vengeful as it is, did not know of, have been grafted upon it. Many
instances might be mentioned ; suffice it to say, that a scow, with boards and
old iron, has been seized in a mill-pond and libeled in an admiralty court ; a
boat, owned by one Stewart, with sand for our floors, has been taken in the har-
bor, and the sand thrown into the sea, without the form of a trial ; as was a
lighter-load of hay, coming up from Braintree. The produce of islands near the
Town have not been suffered to be taken off; and a float carrying sheep to feed
on one of those islands, has been obliged to carry them back again: Bread, meal,
and other provisions, were not suffered to pass a little ferry to Charlestown, and
their ferry-boats have been taken and detained for daring to attempt a passage
after nine o'clock at night: Our numerous poor are suffering by the rise of wood,
butter, cheese, and other provisions, not permitted to be brought up as usual from
the little rivers and bays in our harbor ; and when our tyrants have been expos-
tulated with for these illegal proceedings, they have insultingly replied, that,
agreeable to the Act of Parliament, it was to distress us ; and this their intention
has been so effectually accomplished, that it may be affirmed, without exagger-
ation, the loss this town has sustained within only one month of our blockade,

Letter from Old York. 113

Committee have voted that the whole of tin 1 cargo be scut
round to Boston.

AW are under great and renewed obligations to our breth-
ren of Marblehead. We have it in our power, at present,
only to acknowledge those obligations, and that we arc,
with great esteem,

Gentlemen, your friends and humble servants,

l)\vm 1 rrri;n\ { Per order of the Com-
UA HI) .) l.l 1 K 1 l.s, j mitu . t . „,- Donations.

To J. Omc and others, Committee of Correspondence, Marblclicad.

1 - E T T E R F R M () L D YORK.
pENTLEMEN,

In this you find an account of the donation of the
inhabitants of the Town of York, to the oppressed poor of
the Town of Boston, which we hope will be acceptable in
kind, and doubt not will be applied to the most rational
and salubrious uses, which, with the blessing of the great
Author of nature, will tend to the restitution and continu-
ance of our invaluable rights and liberties, inhumanly
ravished from us. In the mean time we are, Gentlemen,

exceeds the whole amount of those generous donations received from our sympa-
thizing friends through the continent. Added to all this, our Town is surrounded
with ships of war ; and it is said the fleet at Newfoundland are to winter in this
harbor : Formidable fortifications are erected, and others erecting at the only
avenue to the Town ; chains and chevaux-de-frise already provided to stop up the
entrance at pleasure ; four regiments encamped upon the Common, with a large
train of artillery and matrosses ; one regiment on Fort-IIill, one on the new for-
tifications on the Neck, and another regiment at Castle-William; three compa-
nies just arrived in the Rose man-of-war, from Newfoundland; transports dis-
patched some time past to New York for two regiments from thence and the
Jerseys, and to Quebec for two regiments from that quarter : Military stores and
implements of all kinds are collecting in this town, which has now the appear-
ance of a garrison. Reports are propagated here, and the English papers an-
nounce, that six more regiments are coming from Europe. What may be the
intention of all this, and what ought to be the conduct of this and the other
Provinces upon so alarming an occasion, we shall not pretend to say. This capital
IS B spectacle to them, and to the whole world ; a striking example of what is to
be expected from the uncontrollable power claimed by a British Parliament over
these Colonies that have not a single representative in it. But under all these
sufferings and terrors, Boston has not as yet renounced the great and common
cause for which it suffers." — Ed.

4th s — vol. iv. 15

114 Reply to Old York.

in behalf of the Town, yonr fellow-sufferers in the glorious
cause of liberty, and hope to continue your sincere friends,
and very humble servants, in every rational view,

John Swett, ) 7 .
-r, , ^ •■ f Selectmen
Edw d Grow, V k

Joseph Grant, ) J
Old York, October 11th, 1774.
To the Committee Extraordinary for the oppressed poor in Boston.

P. S. — The above donation is sent in the Sloop Isabel,
Capt. Daniel Moulton, master.

REPLY TO OLD YORK.

Boston, October 22d, 1774.
Gentlemen,

By Capt. Moulton, the Committee of Donations re-
ceived your obliging letter of the 17th instant, also a gen-
erous and very acceptable present of wood, sheep and
potatoes, sent by our worthy and patriotic brethren of Old
York, to the oppressed poor of Boston. It will be the
care and endeavor of the Committee to answer the inten-
tions of the benevolent donors. The said Committee, not
long ago, communicated to the public, in the newspapers,
some account of their manner of conducting. It is possi-
ble, that account may not have fallen into your hands ; we
therefore inclose a half sheet printed copy thereof, and we
hope it will meet with the approbation of our friends at
Old York. We have been and are yet struggling hard to
preserve our freedom. It is our duty to observe with
thankfulness to God, that our enemy doth not yet triumph
over us. By his countenance and favor we shall not only
persevere in the common cause, but finally enjoy the inval-
uable blessings of liberty and peace, civil and religious.

The Committee, in behalf of this Town, present their
thanks to our kind benefactors. We are partakers of your
bounty, and we ask your prayers, which will, through our

Letter from Middletown. 115

Lord Jesus, be instrumental in obtaining from God, the
mercies we so greatly need.

We are, with great esteem, Gentlemen, your obliged
friends and fellow-countrymen,

n»vin TrT?i?i?TF<j J Per order of the Com-
UAA I D J hi 1> RIES, j mittee of Donations.

To Messrs. John Swctt, Edw'd Grow, Joseph Grant,
Selectmen of Old York.

LETTER FROM MIDDLETOWN.

Middletown, Oct llth, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Your letter of the 13th of May last, directed to Mr.
Benjamin Henshaw, with his answer thereto, has been
communicated to us ; since which there have been several
meetings of this Town, to consider the subject of your
letter, when the following persons were chosen their Com-
mittee of Correspondence, to wit, Matthew Tallcot, Richard
Alsop, Titus Hosmer, Solomon Sage, Roger Riley, Nath.
Gilbert, Isaac Miller, Eben'r Johnson, Stephen Hubbard,
Francis Clark, Philip Mortimer, Benjamin Henshaw and
George ; and the Town unanimously declared their resolu-
tion to concur in every necessary measure to procure their
rights and liberties entire and undiminished.

The various measures adopted by the British Parliament,
in their last sessions, and the steps Administration have
already taken to carry them into execution, so plainly
demonstrate our common danger, that this Town cannot
assume it as a merit, that a claim to divest us of property,
liberty and life, set up and asserted many years ago, and
now attempted to be enforced by measures equally cruel,
arbitrary and unjust ; by a blow aimed at our head, in the
destruction of our ancient capital ; by the grossest violation
of royal faith in tearing up by the roots the ancient charter
of your Province ; by all the evils of Pandora's box let
loose in the new form of government imposed upon you ; —

116 Letter from Middletown.

the security and protection given to your enemies and
oppressors by the last Acts, and the train of licensed vil-
lains entrusted to shake the rod over you, have roused our
attention and zeal, and determined us to unite with our
brethren through the continent, in a determined opposition
to the destructive measures pursuing against us, and a vir-
tuous and manly struggle, in every lawful and constitutional
way, for our liberties and rights, which must never be given
up nor parted with.

In the course of things we are sensible many dangers
will threaten, many evils overtake, and many hardships be
felt and endured by those parts of America that shall
become particularly obnoxious to the British ministry ; and
that craft and policy, as well as open insult and violence,
will be used to force a submission of particular places and
Provinces, to weaken and disunite us, to which we appre-
hend it is our duty to oppose a constant adherence to our
rights, and a union of every part of America against the
violence and oppression which may threaten or be inflicted
on any part of it. The Town of Boston is honored by the
first attack. As she has been the first to explain, assert
and vindicate the rights of America, and detect and hold
up to public view, stripped of every color and disguise, the
wicked plans devised against them, her glory would have
been incomplete, had she not been the first to suffer in the
common cause. We congratulate you that you are found
worthy to suffer in so good a cause. The resentment of
wicked men are [is] a glorious proof of merit in the ob-
jects of their revenge. Hitherto we have nothing to cen-
sure, nothing to desire in the hard part you have to sup-
port. We presume not to advise, we admire and applaud
your constancy and perseverance, and do not so much wish,
as assure ourselves, they will continue and rise superior to
the malice, fraud and policy of your and our enemies.

We feel ourselves greatly interested in your sufferings,
their cause and event, and think it our indispensable duty
to furnish you with every support and aid in our power.
The inclosed bill of lading is the contents of a small collec-
tion, which we commit to you to be issued according to your
discretion for that purpose. This we consider as the first

Reply to Middletown. 117

payment of a large debt wc owe you, and we shall be
ready to repeat it, from time to time, as long* as your neces-
sity and our ability shall continue.

We more than wish, we pray for your prosperity ; that
you may have virtue to do and suffer all that wisdom and
jound policy require of you at this juncture; that the craft
and subtilty, the force and violence of your adversaries may
be frustrated, and that you may have the honor, the glory,
to save yourselves and your country from ruin.

Wc are, Gentlemen, your assured friends, and obliged
ramble servants, in the name and in behalf of the Com-
mittee of Correspondence at Middletown.

Titus IIosmer, Clerk.

P. S. — Since writing the foregoing, the Committee have
directed me to inclose copies of the bills of lading only,
and retain the originals, as all our subscriptions are not
collected. The freight is not paid. One of the bills of
lading is taken by the young man that was employed by
Kis, appointing payment of the freight in Boston, and as the
vessel is gone, it is now too late to recall it. You will
please to draw upon me for the freight of the whole, and
your bill shall be honored upon sight. We have enough
'subscribed and collected to answer the freight.

& J

I am, Gentlemen, your humble servant,

Titus Hosmer.
To the Committee of Correspondence at Boston.

REPLY TO MIDDLETOWN.

Boston, Nov. 11th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Your kind letter of the 17th of October, came safe to
hand. When we reflect on the great importance of the
controversy in which wc are engaged ; when we consider,
that America will be free and happy, or servilely wretched,
according as we conduct ourselves, we tremble. But that

118 Reply to Middletown.

we are contending for our rights — that the continent sup-
ports us — makes us confident and determined. The plan
which has been so long concerted to deprive America
of her rights, seems now to be executing, and that the
ministry have chosen the Town of Boston as their first
victim.

That we are sequestered from all America, for a criterion
by which they shall determine how far the idea of des-
potic government is compatible with the sentiments of free
born Americans, gives us no concern, because the spirit
which is discovered in Middletown, has diffused itself
through the continent. Many have been the devices,
subtle have been the schemes, and low the artifices made
use of, to sow dissension and division ; but the virtue of
our country has risen superior to them all, and we see a
band now formed, which will encourage our friends and
confound our enemies. The ministry have hitherto kept
the people of Great Britain ignorant of the true state of
America. They have by bribes and falsehoods deceived the
nation. Truth and justice were never so effectually envel-
oped in the thick clouds of calumny and detraction. The
mercenary writers they have employed to misrepresent,
vilify, and abuse the Bostonians, afford us a striking in-
stance of the base methods they pursue to ruin us. We
have, however, the best grounds to think, that the tide is
turning in our favor. The eyes of the people of Britain
begin to be opened. " The coolness, temper, and firmness
of the Americans' proceedings, — the unanimity of all the
Colonies in the same sentiments of their rights, and of the
injustice offered to Boston, and the patience with which
those injuries are at present borne, without the least
appearance of submission, have a good deal surprised and
disappointed our enemies ; and the tone of public conver-
sation, which has been so violently against us, begins evi-
dently to turn." This is the language of as good a friend
as America has in England, and whose authority we can
rely on. And if this most desirable change had taken
place before the proceedings of the American Congress
were known in England, what may we expect upon their
being known ] Had not the present ministry discovered

Reply to Middled) w >i. 11!)

such rancor and such malice in their proceedings with
respect to America, we should expect every tiling to our
wishes. But we have had such full demonstration of
their diabolical designs against us, that we can look for
nothing from them but what our own virtue and spirit
can extort.

The regular, firm, and spirited conduct of the continent,
if they should even fail of success, will eternally redound
to their honor ; and should they meet that success which
their cause merits, they must be the happiest people on
whom the sun shines. The propriety and zeal with which
'the Town of Middletown have treated the indignity which
is offered to their country, seems to be a renewing that glo-
rious ardor which warmed the breasts of their progenitors.
|It is a disposition which has heretofore been attended with
(prosperity. The support which they have formerly so lib-
•erally afforded the Town of Boston, in their sufferings,
demands our warmest gratitude. This recent instance of
Itheir good wishes for our success, and the readiness and
forwardness which they discover to do everything in their
power for maintaining and preserving the rights of their
country, and for supporting and feeding any who are imme-
diate sufferers by the vengeance of their enemies, cannot
fail to excite gratitude from every friend to the rights of
[mankind, and from the Town of Boston in particular. We
pre not insensible, although there is a probability that our
ui ievances will be redressed, that every thing yet depends
on our own virtue and resolution ; great patience, vigilance,
and public spirit are still necessary. The point has been
so loner and so strenuouslv contended for, that our enemies
(never will give it up, till they are compelled by the last
and most unavoidable necessity. Our cause is so just, and
we are so sensible how necessary it is to defend it, that we
|have no doubt, but with the blessing of Heaven upon us,
and upon the many good friends engaged for us, we shall
:be able to hold on, and hold out, until oppression, injustice
and tyranny shall be superseded by freedom, justice and
igood government. And we cannot but flatter ourselves
that while we are contending for justice for ourselves, we
[shall be instrumental in calling back that virtue which

120 Letter from Middleborough.

of late years has fled from the councils of our parent
country.

We are, Gentlemen, your friends and obliged humble
servants,

TnQTTPW "WaT?T?T?TV ^ Per order of the Com-
J ObEI H YV ARKEN , j mittee of Donat ions.

P. S. — We have just now, by Capt. Sheppard, from!
London, received His Majesty's proclamation for dissolving j
the late Parliament of Great Britain, whose conduct re-
specting America will be remembered with horror through j
all succeeding generations.

To the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Middletown.

LETTER FROM MIDDLEBOROUGH.

Middleborough, Oct. 18th, 1774.

Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens,

Deeply impressed with a sense of your uncommon suf-
ferings from the operation of an Act of the British Parlia-
ment, which for cruelty and injustice is unparalleled in his-
tory, we have the honor of receiving your resolves, and the
Towns contiguous to Boston, respecting the supply of the
troops. We are well pleased with the contents, and cheer-
fully co-operate with you, in that and every other rational
measure, to the last penny of our fortunes, and the last
drop of our blood. We have sent by the bearer, about
eighty bushels of grain, for the use of the industrious poor,
with the Pesolves of the Town, in which, if any thing
amiss, please to correct, in order for the press.

The painful sensations that constantly afflict us for the
losses of your merchants, shopkeepers, and mechanics, and
all your inhabitants, in stopping your Port, induces us to
desire you to take an exact estimate of your estates as you
conveniently can, and we make no doubt of the generosity
of your American brethren, on your receiving an ample
indemnification.

Reply to Middleborough. 121

We regret the decay of God's image in man, when we
behold the inhabitants of the other continent, so entirely

sunk in luxury and despotism. The eyes of all the friends
of liberty arc now fixed on America, and chiefly on your
illustrious Town. Stand firm in the glorious cause of
liberty, which is the principal thing that can make life
desirable here, and promises to her pious votaries a glori-
ous immortality hereafter.

Gentlemen, we subscribe ourselves your affectionate
friends, and fellow-sufferers,

Per order of the Committee of Correspondence,

John Western, Clerk.

To the Committee of Correspondence in Boston.

REPLY TO MIDDLEBOROUGH.

Boston, Oct. 2bt!i, 1774.
Sir, t ■

Last week Mr. William Cooper, the Town Clerk,
handed to the Committee of Donations, your acceptable
favor of the 18th inst. Our good friend, Mr. Billington
of Middleborough, has delivered us fifty-one bushels of rye,
and thirty bushels corn ; a generous present from the
worthy inhabitants of that patriotic Town. The bowels of
the industrious poor, suffering by means of that oppressive
and cruel Act, the Boston Port Bill, commonly so called,
will doubtless be greatly refreshed, and many thanksgivings
go up to God on account thereof. May the Lord reward
our kind benefactors a thousand fold into their own
bosoms. Please to present the thankful acknowledgments
of this Committee, in behalf of the Town, for this instance
of their Christian sympathy and affection.

It affords much satisfaction that the conduct of this
Town, hitherto, has met with the approbation of our breth-
ren at Middleborough, as well as elsewhere. We have
great difficulties and dangers to encounter, and they seem
to be increasing, but we may set up our Ebenczcr, and say,
" Hitherto God hath helped us." In all our darkness, we
are not without some rays of light ; but what is in the
4th s. — vol. iv. 16

122 Ueply to Middleborough.

womb of Providence, we cannot say. " It is not for us to
know the times, or the seasons, which the Father hath put
in his own power. 1 ' Duty is ours, events are God's. To
Him let us look, for all that wisdom, meekness, firmness,
and resolution, which our peculiar circumstances call for;
and may we be enabled to pray and not faint.

Your letter breathes a noble spirit, and becoming zeal
and ardor in the glorious cause of American freedom, both
civil and religious. It serves to encourage and animate us
to persevere, in a manly, steady opposition to all tyrants,
their abettors, and iniquitous measures. We may not
boast of our own strength, but we may and ought to hope
and trust in God. None were ever ashamed, who put their
trust in him. If he be for us, no matter who or how many
are against us. By his help, and that only, we shall be
enabled to persevere.

The generosity manifested in your proposal for taking an
exact estimate of our estates, is very striking and endearing,
and is a superadded instance of the benevolence of your
hearts. It would be matter of no small difficulty, espec-
ially as many of this Town are from day to day so engaged
in affairs which concern the general interest, in this day of
trial, as that all our attention and time is required, and all
little enough. We would hope we shall never be reduced
to such a necessity ; if we should, we must do the best we
can. However this may happen, our obligations and grat-
itude to our brethren are not a little increased, by so kind
and charitable a proposal. It is not easy, and we do not
know that it is possible, to determine with any degree of
precision what loss and damage this Province and Town
have sustained, by the almost annihilation of their trade
and commerce. Some doubt whether two hundred thou-
sand pounds sterling would be a compensation even to the
Town. But when we take into consideration the anxiety
and distress of mind the inhabitants have endured, we
question whether even the wealth of Great Britain could
countervail the damage. And for what \ What has the
Province, what has Boston done to dese^ ve the carrying
into execution measures so unjust, so oppressing, so cruel,
so destructive ] It greatly stands in hand the promoters
and favorers of such a pernicious plan, in stead, to have a

Letter from Samuel Moody. 123

satisfactory answer ready, when it shall at another, an infi-
nitely more important day, be inquired of them, c What
have the Bostonians done to merit such cruel treatment \ '
But we forbear.

Inclosed is a printed half sheet, giving an account of
the proceedings of this Committee relative to the charitable
donations committed to their trust. If it shall be satisfac-
tory to our kind benefactors, our end will in a good measure
be answered ; but we cannot expect, in this corrupt state
of things, to escape the censure of our foes. We hope our
brethren will not place an undue confidence in the inhab-
itants of this much abused and distressed Town, nor raise
their expectation too high concerning us; but if our gra-
cious God shall afford us strength equal to the day, we
trust our brethren will not be disappointed.

We are, with great esteem and much affection, Gentle-
men, your much obliged friends and fellow-countrymen,

D, VTn Tx-ttit^-ottt'o \ P er order of the Com-
A VI JJ J E* 1 1U.LS, | mittee of Donatioris .

To the Town Clerk and Committee of Correspondence at Middle-
borough.

LETTER FROM SAMUEL MOODY.

Newbury Fall, Oct. 20th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

As a testimony of my good will to the cause of liberty
and my country, and my sympathy with the Town of Bos-
ton, under their present extreme sufferings, be pleased to
accept for their industrious poor, by the hands of Doctor
Cooper, five guineas, with the sincerest wishes of success
to your generous efforts to recover and perpetuate all our
just rights and privileges.

I am, with great esteem, and respect, Gentlemen, your
most obedient, humble servant,

Samuel Moody.
To the Committee of Ways and Means in Boston.

124 Letter from Marblehead.

REPLY TO SAMUEL MOODY.

Boston, Oct. 21th, 1774.
Sir,

Yesterday the Committee of Donations (or means and
ways) received, by the hands of the Rev. Doctor Cooper,
your obliging letter of 20th instant ; at the same time, also,
your very generous donation of five guineas, for the relief
of the industrious poor of Boston. The spirit of your
letter is very sympathetic and truly noble. The Town are
extremely obliged, and this Committee, in their behalf,
return our grateful acknowledgments, for these expressions
of your benevolence and charity. We take the freedom to
inclose you. a printed half sheet, containing an account of
the proceedings of this Committee respecting the donations
with which we are entrusted. "We hope it will be satis-
factory to you. We have been hitherto, we trust, directed
and helped, and, by the favor and blessing of God, we shall
yet persevere in our efforts to perpetuate all the just rights
of this Province, and of all North America.

And are, with great esteem, Sir, your affectionate friends
and fellow-countrymen,

Davttv Tpvprtvc! ( Per order of the Com-
UAMD l^l<KIEb,j mittee of Donations.

To Mr. Samuel Moody.

LETTER FROM MARBLEHEAD.

Marblehead, Oct. 20th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We received your favor by Capt. Herbert, and in con-
formity waited on the officers of the customs to know what
must be done. They informed that a third of the cargo
must be taken out, to have the vessel in order for searching,
(the Captain at that time intimated he had some staves on
board as dunnage ; they told him and us that would not be
regarded,) in consequence of the prescription of their
highnesses. We provided a vessel to receive as much of
the corn as might be thought necessary by the scrutinizers.

Reply to Scituate and Gloucester. 125

The vessel accordingly received so much of the cargo as
was directed by the officers to qualify her for searching;

but alas, the officers, when waited on to search the vessel,
declared the staves, the dunnage, must come out. Wo
have since agreed with the master of the vessel whom we
first applied to, to receive the corn, to take the whole cargo
and carry to Boston. Since our engagement with him, have
seen your order for four hundred hushels to be delivered
Air. Vernon, which is accordingly done. You will receive
the remainder of the corn, (God willing.) by the bearer of
this, with the pork and flour. We have made no agree-
ment with the master for freight of the articles, but submit
it to you ; he being a son of liberty, we conclude will not
be unreasonable. We by him remit you the balance of
fifteen bushels damaged corn, and seven of good, sold by
Capt. Jones, the bearer of the Maryland donation, which
he paid us, on being told his corn was twenty-two bushels
deficient. We have paid the laborers we hired to deliver
the cargo, out of said sum, and remit the remainder.

We are, Gentlemen, your humble servants,

J. Orne, per order.

£.
N. B. — 15 bushels damaged com, a 1/4 1
7 ditto good, a 2/8

1 18 8
Deduct 5/2 paid for labor, 5 2

1 13 6

Capt. Herbert has just informed us, to acquaint you, that
he will not be able to w r ait on you at Boston, as such, begs
you will write him.

To the Committee of Donations at Boston.

REPLY TO SCITUATE AND GLOUCESTER.

n Boston, Oct. 21 st, 1774.

Gentlemen, ' '

The Selectmen, the Committee of Correspondence, and

the Committee of Donations for this Town, being this day

unexpectedly summoned to Cambridge, to attend the Pro-

126 Reply to Tolland.

vincial Congress upon some matters of importance in our
public affairs, I am directed by the Committee of Donations
to acknowledge the receipt of your kind and generous
donation of one hundred and twenty sheep, received by the
hands of our worthy friend, Mr. Ezekiel Corwell, for the
benefit of the industrious poor of the Town of Boston,
suffering by means of the cruel and oppressive Act of Par-
liament, commonly called the Boston Port Bill, — which I
trust will be held in detestation and abhorrence by all good
men in this and future ages. Our distresses are very great,
but the benevolence of our friends supports and refreshes
our spirits, and you may rest assured that Boston will
suffer all rather than submit to the power of tyranny. The
cordial acknowledgments of this Committee, in behalf of
the Town of. Boston, are hereby presented to our friends
in Scituate.

I am, with great esteem, in behalf and by order of the
Committee, Gentlemen, your most humble servant,

Alex'r Hodgdon, Clerk.

N. B. — The above was sent to Scituate. A copy of this
was sent to Gloucester acknowledging the receipt of ninety-
five sheep.

To the Committee of Correspondence at Scituate and Gloucester,
Colony of Rhode Island. 1

REPLY TO TOLLAND.

Boston, Oct. 2M, 1774.
Gentlemen,

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your kind and
generous donation of ninety-five sheep, by the hands of
our worthy friend, Mr. Hope Lathrop, which shall be ap-
plied to the relief of our poor, suffering by means of the
cruel and oppressive Port Bill, according to the intention
of the generous donors. We are struggling under the

1 The Colony of Rhode Island was prompt to express a sympathy for Boston.
The Essex Gazette of May 24, 1774, has the following paragraph : " On the 17th
of May the inhabitants of the Town of Providence ' Resolved, That the Commit-
tee of Correspondence of this Town be desired to inform the Town of Boston,
that we do not consider ourselves disinterested in the present alarming conduct

Reply to Tolland. l k 27

heavy hand of tyranny. Our troubles are exceeding great ;
but the kindness and benevolence of our friends and breth-
ren in Tolland, as well as other places, greatly refreshes

and raises our spirits. You may depend upon it, that by
the divine help and blessing, Boston will sillier everything
with patience and firmness, that a cruel and arbitrary
administration can inflict upon us, even to tin 4 loss of for-
tune and life, rather than submit, in any one instance, to
the power of tyranny. We trust we have a righteous
cause, and that the Supreme Ruler of the universe will in
his own time and way arise and scatter the dark clouds that

af the British Parliament towards them; but view the whole of the American
Colonies as equally concerned in the event .' This meeting proposed 'a Con-
gress, as soon as may be, of the Colonies and Provinces of North America.' "

The Boston Gazette of May '2:*, 1774, names the towns of Newport and West-
erly, as among those who, thus early, had given assurances of sympathy and
union; and contains a letter dated Westerly, 19th May, 1774, which concludes
in the following terms : '-This horrid attack upon the Town of Boston, we con-
sider not as an attempt upon that Town singly, but upon the whole American
continent. We are therefore determined to use our whole influence for the sup-
port of the Town of Boston, in the same manner as if the attack had been made
on the metropolis of this Colony. And we doubt not but the other Colonies will
consider this arbitrary and tyrannical edict in the same light, and heartily unite
with the friends of liberty in Boston, in support of the common cause." A town
meeting was held in Newport, on the 20th of May, which passed resolutions ex-
pressing "the deepest sense of the injuries done to the Town of Boston," by the
Port Bill ; and ordered these resolutions to be sent to the Boston Committee of
Correspondence.

The following brief article was widely circulated in the journals. It is here
icopied from the Essex Gazette of May 31, 1774 : " Newport, Rhode Island, May 16,
1774. Join or Die ! ! The Act of Parliament for blockading the harbor of Bos-
ton, in order to reduce its spirited inhabitants to the most servile and mean com-
ipliances ever attempted to be imposed on a free people, is allowed to be infinitely
more alarming and dangerous to our common liberties, than even that hydra the
jStamp Act, (which was defeated by our firmness and union,) and must be read
with a glowing indignation by every real friend of freedom, in Europe and
jAmerica. . . . Though the Town of Boston is now intended to be made a
victim to ministerial wrath, yet the insult and indignity offered to our virtuous
'brethren in that capital, who have so nobly stood as a barrier against slavery,
(ought to be viewed in the same odious light, as a direct hostile invasion of every
Province on the continent, whose inhabitants are now called upon, by interest,
honor and humanity, to stand forth with firmness and unanimity for the relief,
support and animation of our brethren in the insulted, besieged capital of Mas-
sachusetts-Bay. . . . The Generals of despotism are now drawing the lines of
circumvallation around our bulwarks of liberty, and nothing but unity, resolu-
tion and perseverance can save ourselves and posterity from what is worse than
death— slavery."

The Boston Gazette of July 25, 1774, has the following, dated Newport, July
18: "Many parts of the country are raising subscriptions for the humane and
generous purpose of supporting the poor of Boston : and there would have been
a subscription vigorously put forward in this Town, last week, had it not been
for the supplies which were sent from other parts, on which account it was thought
best to omit it till the next session of our Assembly, when it is not doubted they

128 Reply to Tolland.

at present hang over us. We submit to him, and ask your
prayers at the throne of grace for us.

The sincere thanks of this Committee, in behalf of this
greatly distressed and injured Town, are hereby presented
to our worthy friends in Tolland, for their kind assistance
in this our day of trial.

We are, with great esteem, Gentlemen, your friends and
fellow-countrymen,

TTtnt? v Htt t I Per order the Commit -

J.±.fcJNltX ±±ILL,\ tee of Donations.

To the Gentlemen Committee of Correspondence for the Town of
Tolland, in Connecticut.

will do something handsome, it being absolutely more necessary to assist the
inhabitants of that Town, in this last struggle for American liberty, than if it
had been laid in ashes."

At a town meeting held in Providence August 12, its deputies in the General
Assembly were instructed in the following terms:— "Gentlemen: The sufferings
and distresses of the people of the Town of Boston, occasioned by a relentless
execution of that cruel edict for blocking up the port, awakens our attention and
excites our compassion. Their cause is our cause ; and unless aid and succor
be afforded them, they may be discouraged into a hurtful submission ; and min-
isterial vengeance may next be directed against this Colony, and in the end,
alight upon all. You are therefore requested to use your endeavors, at the next
session of the General Assembly, to procure a grant, to be made from this Col-
ony, of such sum of money as they may think fit, towards relieving and mitigat-
ing the difficulties and distresses which that Town must experience from the
operation of that most unrighteous inhibition, the hostile manner of carrying the
same into force, and a general arrest of their liberties. Permit us to observe,
that in doing this it will be evidenced, that as a community, we shall do unto
others as we would that they should do unto us in a like circumstance ; and that
it will be a greater testimony of unanimity in the general concernments of Amer-
ica, in this day of struggle and danger, than private contributions, and far more
equal."

The Boston Gazette, of August 22, has a letter dated Newport, August 19,
which says : " The tories in this Town, and some other parts of the Colony, are
endeavoring to prevent any grant being made by our Assembly, and we are to
have a town meeting this day to instruct the Deputies to vote for a grant for the
Town of Boston. Our present Assembly, last session, promised they would
assist the Town of Boston ; and as this Assembly can never exist again, after
next week, if they don't do something, they will sink themselves into the lowest
degree of contempt."

The Essex Gazette, of September 20, has the following, dated Boston, Septem-
ber 19 : " We hear that collections are making in the several Towns of the Col-
ony of Rhode Island, for the suffering inhabitants here. It is said fifteen hundred
dollars are already raised in the Town of Newport ; and that the Hon. Joseph
Babcock, of Westerly, had generously subscribed one hundred dollars for the
like purpose."

At a Town meeting held in Providence, November 21, 1774, it was " Voted,
That the Committee of Correspondence of this Town be hereby empowered to
receive of the town treasury the sum of one hundred and twenty-five pounds,
lawful money, and to transmit the same to the Committee of the Town of Boston
for receiving donations for the distressed inhabitants of Boston and Charlestown ;
and the treasurer is hereby ordered to pay said sum out of the first money he
shall receive of the tax now ordered." — Ed.

Letter from Concord. 1 89

LETTER FBOM CONCORD.

Province of Xeir Hampshire,

Concord, Oct 29th, 1774.
Sir,

The people of this Town have subscribed a consider-
able quantity of pease, for our suffering brethren in the
Town of Boston, part of which I now send you by the
bearer, the remainder T shall forward as soon as possible.
You will excuse my giving you this trouble, not being par-
ticularly acquainted with any other Gentleman of the
Committee.

I remain, your most obedient and very humble servant,

Timo, Walker, Jun.
To Mr. Henry Hill.

REPLY TO CONCORD.

Boston, Nov. 11th, 1774.
Dear Sir,

This morning Mr. Samuel Ames delivered me your
agreeable favor of 29th October, informing me that the
people of the Town of Concord, have generously sub-
scribed a considerable quantity of pease, for their suffering
brethren in this Town, part of which you have sent, and
the receipt of which I hereby acknowledge, and in behalf
of the Town desire you to accept our sincere thanks for
this proof of your sympathy with us under our present
trials, which, 1 assure you, are very heavy, and under which
we fear we should sink, were it not for the support which,
under Providence, we receive from our kind friends and
brethren in this, and the neighboring Colonies.

I am, Dear Sir, your obliged, humble servant,

Henry Hill.
To Mr. Timo. Walker, Jr., in Concord, Province New Hampshire.
4th s. — vol. iv. 17

130 Reply to Smithfield and Johnston.

REPLY TO SMITHFIELD AND JOHNSTON.

Boston, Nov. 2d, 1774.
Gentlemen,

By the hands of Capt. Stephen Whipple and Mr. Wil-
liam Potter, the Committee of Donations received your
very acceptable present of one hundred and fifty sheep.
The Committee, in behalf of the Town, return our grateful
acknowledgments to our kind and generous benefactors, the
patriotic inhabitants of Smithfield and Johnston. Such
bounties greatly refresh our spirits, and encourage us to
persevere in the glorious cause of true, constitutional free-
dom and liberty. . We consider the cause as common, and
therefore a cause in the defence of which, all North Amer-
ica ought to be united ; and it affords us, as it must every
true-hearted American, a peculiar pleasure, that such a
union prevails at this day, as bodes well to the rights and
liberties of North America, civil and religious.

What judgment are we to form respecting those who
would affect to be calm and unconcerned spectators, in this
day of trouble and distress. But what shall we think and
say of those who are constantly endeavoring, in a private,
and when they dare, in a more open manner, to carry into
execution a plan the most detestable, and calculated for the
destruction of every thing accounted valuable and dear in
the eyes of Americans. Surely, then, Americans must, they
will, exert themselves to their utmost at such a day as this.

The inhabitants of this Town are called, in providence,
to stand, as it were, in the front of the battle. We have
reason, in the first place, to be thankful to God, who hath
thus far helped us, and nextly, to our generous and kind
benefactors, by their affectionate letters, as well as their
timely donations. May the Lord reward them. We
greatly need wisdom, direction, prudence, zeal, patience and
resolution. Our Christian friends may, by their prayers to
God, contribute much towards a happy issue of these severe
trials, and those mercies which are the fruit of the prayers
of faith will prove mercies indeed. But we have not time
to enlarge.

Inclosed is a printed half sheet respecting the conduct

Reply to Candia. LSI

of the Committee on the improvement of the charities of
our friends, which we hope will be to their satisfaction.

Gentlemen, your much obliged friends and fellow-coun-
trymen,

David Jeffries, j 3^52522

To Mr. Daniel Mom/, Jr., Town Clerk of the Town of SmUHfield.

Acknowledging receipt of 150 sheep.
And to

Mr. Caleb Harris, Town Clerk of the Town of Johnston.
Acknowledging receipt of 57 sheep.

REPLY TO CANDIA.

Boston, Nov. 4th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee of Donations have received your very
acceptable and kind present of ten dollars, and fifty-six
sheep, from the Town of Chester, and twenty-eight sheep
from the parish of Candia, in New Hampshire, and in
behalf of the Town, return their grateful acknowledgments
to our benevolent and generous benefactors, the inhabitants
of Chester and parish of Candia, aforesaid. Such dona-
tions greatly relieve us under our great and increasing
difficulties, occasioned by the severe Boston Port Bill, and
other disagreeable measures now carrying on against us.
Inclosed you have a printed account, in which you will see
the conduct of the Committee in the improvement of the
charities of our friends, which we hope will be satisfactory.
We are, Gentlemen, with great esteem, your obliged
friends and fellow-countrymen,

John Soley, per order.

To the Selectmen of the Town of Chester, and parish of Candia,
New Hampshire.

VOTE OF TIVERTON.

At a town meeting held in the Town of Tiverton, on
Tuesday the 30th August, 1774, Edward Gray, Esq., mod-
erator, it was voted, — That Mr. Benjamin Jenks, Mr. Par-
don Gray and Mr. William Durfee, be a Committee to go

132 Reply to Tiverton.

throughout said Town of Tiverton, to see what the inhab-
itants of said Town would subscribe towards the relief of
the poor of Boston, and to make report to said Town, at
their next meeting, &c. This meeting is adjourned to the
first Monday in October next, as of record appears.

Witness, Walter Cook, Town Clerk.

Received by Benjamin Jenks and Pardon Gray, Nov'r, 72 sheep.

Tiverton, Nov. 5th, 1774.

At said meeting by adjournment, on the 3d October,
1774, it was voted, — That said Committee was thereby j
impowered to collect the said subscriptions, and lay out the
same, according to their discretion, as they should think
most to advantage for said poor of Boston, and to be
in readiness to [depart] for Boston with the same, on the
10th day of November next, as of record appears.

Witness, Walter Cook, Town Clerk.

Tiverton, Nov. 5th, 1774.

REPLY TO TIVERTON.

r < Boston, Nov. 12th, 1774.

GENTLEMEN,

Having received by the hands of Messrs. Benjamin
Jenks, Pardon Gray, and William Durfee, seventy- two
sheep, for the relief of the poor, now suffering in this
Town by means of the oppressive Boston Port Bill, the
Committee of Donations, in behalf of the Town, return
their grateful acknowledgments to our kind and generous
benefactors, the inhabitants of the Town of Tiverton.
Such bounties are a great relief to us under our distressed
circumstances, for which we have abundant reason to be
thankful to God, for his goodness to us herein, as also to
our kind and benevolent friends, for the help and assist-
ance afforded to us in this day of our distress. We send
you the inclosed, that you may see the conduct of the
Committee in disposing of the charities of our friends,
which we hope will be satisfactory.

We are, with great respect,

TnxjAT Q/-vT -c-v S P er or <ier of the Com-
O UtiSS OULL 1 , j mittee of Donations.

To Mr. Samuel Durfee, President of the Town Council of Tiverton.

Letter from Fairfield. 133

LETTER FROM FAIRFIELD.

Fairfield^ 8th Nov., 1771.
Gentlemen,

The Town of Fairfield, by donations, have collected
seven hundred and fifty bushels of grain, of various kinds,
which is ordered to yon by (apt. 'Thorp, bound for Salem,
which we wish safe to hand, and hope this little testimony
of our attachment to the common cause, will comfort the
hearts of all those worthy patriots in the Town of Boston,
who have so manfully exerted themselves in the cause of
liberty, as well as those poor who arc suffering under the
operation of the unjust and cruel Tort Bill. Persevere in
your glorious opposition. We are not insensible of your
sufferings, and hope we shall yet consider ourselves bound
to afford you such succor and relief, as our circumstances
land your wants demand.

We are with great truth and regard, your most obedient
iservant.

Signed by order of the Town's Committee of Donations,

Jonathan Sturges.

To be communicated to the Committee of Ways and Means in Boston, or Over-
i seers of the Poor.

I To Mr. Henry Hill, fyc,

Committee of Ways and Means at Boston.

REPLY TO FAIRFIELD.

Boston, Nov. 24tf?, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The testimony which the patriotic inhabitants of the
Town of Fairfield have given of their attachment to the
common and glorious cause of liberty, by their liberal
donation of seven hundred and fifty bushels of grain, by
Capt. Thorp, has afforded much comfort, as well as season-
able relief to their friends in Boston, who are now suffer-
ing under the cruel rod of ministerial tyranny and oppres-
sion. The sympathy of our friends is a great support to
us under our trials, notwithstanding the greatness and
severity of them ; and we trust, through the favor of our
God, we shall be enabled to persevere in our opposition to

134 Letter from Rehoboth.

the enemies of America, and so answer the hopes and |j
expectation of our friends, of whose generous donations wel
trust we shall ever retain a grateful sense.

We are particularly obliged by the assurances you give*
us, " that you are not insensible of our sufferings," and the!;
hope you express, you shall yet consider yourselves bound]!
to afford us such succor and relief as your circumstances
and our wants may demand. May a kind Providence I
bountifully reward your liberality and kindness, and the]
blessing of him that was ready to perish come down and
rest on the heads of the generous inhabitants of the Town
of Fairfield.

"We hope the inclosed account of the manner in which]
the Committee are distributing the donations of our friends I
and benefactors, in whose cause, (as well as our own,) this •
Town is suffering, will meet with your approbation, as it
will afford great satisfaction to

Your obliged friends and humble servant,

U rvl j V TTttt < Per order of the Com-
-LL-kiMil -i-J-l-Li-Lfj { mittee of Donations.

To Mr. Jonathan Sturges and others, Committee for collecting
donations in the Town of Fairfield, in Connecticut.

LETTER FROM REHOBOTH.

Rehoboth, Nov. 9th, 1774.

To the Committee of Donations of the Town of Boston.

Gentlemen,

Whereas a number of the inhabitants of the aforesaid
Town of Rehoboth, have raised and given a number of
sheep and some money, as a donation for the poor sufferers
of the Town of Boston, we the subscribers, hath delivered
to Capt. Ebenezer Peck, fifty-four sheep, and twelve
pounds in money, and to Capt. Shubael Peck, thirty-seven
sheep, to drive down and deliver to the abovesaid Com-
mittee of Donations for the use abovesaid.

Aaron Head, } Selectmen
\\ J 9i sheep. William Cole, > of

Shubael Peck, ) Rehoboth.

Letter from Nathan Applet on. 135

REPLY TO EEHOBOTH.

Boston, November Wth, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The sympathy and generosity which a number of the
patriotic inhabitants of the Town of llchoboth, have shown
towards the Town of Boston, suffering under the iron rod
pf tyranny and oppression, demand their grateful acknowl-
edgments. And we, the Committee of Donations, accord-
ingly transmit them to you, by our worthy friends, Capt.
Ebenezer Peck and Capt. Shubael Peck, by whom we have
received ninety-one sheep, and fourteen pounds, eight shil-
lings and ninepencc in cash, which we assure you shall be
ipplicd to the benevolent purpose for which they were sent.
We have inclosed you an account of the manner in which
|\ve are distributing the liberal donations of our generous
(benefactors, as we think ourselves obliged to satisfy them
(that they are properly applied. We earnestly wish you the
best of blessings, and subscribe ourselves,

Your affectionate, though greatly afflicted friends and
brethren,

TTpvrv TTttt < Per order of the Com-
J.J. J^xN ±t 1 _L_LI.L.L, ^ m ittee of Donations.

To Messrs. Aaron Read, William Cole, and Shubael Peck, Select-
men of the Town, Rehobolh.

X. B. Copy of this was sent to East Greenwich, acknowl-
edging the receipt of twenty-five sheep, and four oxen,
received per the hands of Messrs. Preserved Pierce and
William Pierce.

Signed, John Soley.

Directed to the Committee of Correspondence for East Greenwich,
in the Colony of Rhode Island.

LETTER FROM NATHAN APPLETON.

Salem, Nov. 9th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

I have shipped on board Capt. "Walker, thirty-five
casks of rice, part of that which Capt. Derby has stored
for the Town. The schooner belongs to Mr. John Webb,

136 Reply to Wethersfield.

of Boston. Capt. Walker presumes that Mr. Webb will
not charge any thing for the freight, but expects to be held
harmless in case he should. Capt. Walker was going to
take wood on board to carry him up to Boston, but readily
accepted the rice, I agreeing to pay all extra charges. I
do not find any flax in Town and am apprehensive I shall I
not, therefore would not have you depend upon it. I
believe we shall dispose of all Capt. Williams's wheat and;
rye. Capt. Loveland was sailed before I got down.

Tendering the Committee any further services, and wish- 1
ing them prosperity, I remain with great respect, Gentle-
men, your most humble servant,

Nath'l Appleton.

To the Committee of Donations for the Town of Boston.

31Teirces, ^.
4 half Trs. $ Iuce#

REPLY TO WETHERSFIELD.

Boston, November, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We would with gratitude acknowledge the receipt of
fifty-five and three-quarters bushels rye, seven and three-
quarters of wheat, and eight and three-quarters of Indian
corn, received by Capt. Solomon Loveland, from our worthy
brethren of Wethersfield, being a second donation to the
poor, suffering by means of the tyrannical Port Bill. We
cannot but eye the hand of Providence, inspiriting our
brethren in the Colony of Connecticut, and indeed through-
out this continent, to assist and strengthen this distressed
Town. We trust our sufferings will, in the end, be for the
advantage of North America, and are therefore animated
to persevere in a cause which we reckon the whole conti-
nent are concerned in.

We wish you the smiles of Heaven, and the divine
protection, and are, Gentlemen, your most humble servant,

"R A TTCTTTM * Per order of tlle Com -

XJ>. ^X U & 1 1JN , j m i t tee of Donations.

To Ezekiel Williams, Esq., and others, the Committee of Corres- I
pondence at Wethersfield.

Letter from Colchester. 137

LETTER FROM COLCHESTER.

Colchester, Nov. 15th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We send you by Capt. John Chamberlain, the bearer
hereof, five cattle and ninety-four sheep, which arc given
by the inhabitants of Colchester, to our distressed brethren,
the inhabitants of the Town of Boston. Major Henry
Champ[ion], one of the Committee of Correspondence, has
already forwarded part of our Donations. Capt. Chamber-
lain undertakes, on his own cost, to convey what we now
send by him ; we wish the same safe to hand.

We are, with great esteem, Gentlemen, your most hum-
ble and obedient servants,

Dudley Wright, ) Committee
Elias Worthington, > of

John Watrous, ) Correspondence.

To the Gentlemen Committee of Correspondence in Boston, in the
Province Massachusetts Bay.

REPLY TO COLCHESTER.

Boston, Nov. 23d, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We have to acknowledge your favor of the loth ult.,
: and we heartily thank you for the very generous donations
.accompanying the same, viz., five cattle and ninety-four
sheep, received by Capt. Chamberlain from our worthy
brethren, the inhabitants of Colchester. Nor must we
iomit to acknowledge the kindness of Capt. Chamberlain,
who has taken care of, and safely conveyed them to us at
his own cost. The other part of your donation of cattle
(by Major Champion are not yet come to hand. We hear
they are upon the road, and when received shall acknowl-
edge the same, and again write you more fully ; in the
mean time would only observe to you, that the kindness
and sympathy of our brethren in Connecticut refreshes our
hearts and strengthens our hands to stand firm in the
American cause. I am, in behalf of the Committee of
4th s. — vol. iv. 18

138 Letter from Litchfield.

Donations for this Town, Gentlemen, your most obedient,
humble servant,

Ben. Austin, SJ^SL.
To Messrs Dudley Wright, Elias Worthington and John Watrous,
Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Colchester.

Boston, Dec. Uth, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We wrote you on the 23d ult., acknowledging the
receipt of five cattle and ninety-four sheep, received by
Capt. Chamberlain. Would now acquaint you the other
part of your generous donation, by the bearer, Major
Champion, we duly received, viz., three cattle and seven
sheep ; for all which we return you our hearty thanks,
and may our sympathizing brethren of Colchester be abun-
dantly rewarded for their kindness to this distressed Town,
who are struggling under the cruel hand of tyranny. The
remarkable union of the Colonies gives us spirit. We
have a righteous cause, and we trust that Providence will
soon confound the devices of our proud oppressors, and
shortly restore those charter rights, which have been so
cruelly wrested from us ; and hope it will not be long before
this metropolis will be a quiet habitation. And may our
sufferings be the means of establishing the rights of North
America.

I am, with great regard, Gentlemen, your most humble
servant,

Benjamin Austin, \ F ^£TLn^7:

To Messrs. Dudley Wright, Elias Worthington and John Watrous,
Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Colchester.

LETTER FROM LITCHFIELD.

Litchfield, 15th Nov., 1774.
Gentlemen,

Deeply commiserating the unhappy fate of Boston and
Charles town, we have made a small collection in several

Reply to Litchfield. 139

Towns in the County of Litchfield, for the relief of the
sufferers in consequence of the Boston Port Bill, which
you will receive at the hands of Mr. William Stanton, one
of the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of
Litchfield, who waits on you for that purpose. We imag-
ine our collections would have been more considerable,
notwithstanding [the] infant state of most of the Towns in
this County, had not a report prevailed here, (which we
doubt not originated from persons unfriendly to American
liberty,) that the poor in Boston and Charlestown were
abundantly supplied by the generous donations already
made. We hope, (notwithstanding said report,) that our
charity will be acceptable, and that by Mr. Stanton you
will make us better acquainted with the circumstances of
the poor in said Towns, assuring the people of Boston, &c.,
that we consider them as suffering in a common cause, and
are ready to assist them with our lives and fortunes, when-
ever there shall be occasion. We also desire you will favor
us with an account of interesting occurrences as you shall
have convenient opportunity.

We are, Gentlemen, your humble servants,

Lynde Lord, ) Committee of
Reuben Smith, 3 Correspondence.

To the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Boston.

REPLY TO LITCHFIELD.

Boston, Nov. 24/A, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The ardor and zeal, the unanimity and firmness, of the
truly respectable Colony of Connecticut, in asserting, and
their manly, spirited resolutions, to support and defend the
glorious cause of America, that is to say, true constitutional
freedom and liberty, will be a means of handing down
their names with esteem and honor to the latest generation.
But when it shall also be made known what incontestable
evidence they have given of their Christian sympathy and
affection towards this much abused, distressed Town, by

140 Reply to Litchfield.

their kind and very liberal donations, the honor and esteem
must and will be increased in a proportionable degree.

An instance of this kind now presents itself, and the
Committee of Donations do, in behalf of this once happy
and highly favored Town, present our grateful acknowledg-
ments to the patriotic inhabitants of Litchfield, for the
obliging letter, dated Litchfield, 15th November, 1774,
received per the hands of our good friend Mr. William
Stanton, who has paid to the Treasurer of the Committee,
nineteen pounds, two shillings and 1M., and also delivered
us fifty-one cattle ; all for the relief of the sufferers in
Boston and Charlestown, " in consequence of the Boston
Port Bill." We shall apply this noble donation to the
benevolent purpose for which it is designed. The inclosed
printed half sheet will certify you of the proceedings of
the Committee hitherto, and that our worthy, suffering
brethren of Charlestown have not been, or are to be over-
looked.

We are sorry such reports had prevailed as you mention
in your letter. Doubtless an enemy hath spread those
reports ; but as Mr. Stanton has been let into a general
state of the donations already received, and of the poor in
this Town, we think we need add nothing on this head,
but refer you to him for satisfaction. Had our bottom
been broader, we should before now have engaged in mat-
ters which would more generally and more lastingly have
employed the poor. But we must cut our coat according to
our cloth.

Your assurances that you consider the people of Boston
" as suffering in one common cause, and are ready to assist
them with your lives and fortunes whenever there shall be
occasion," is such an expression of public virtue and true
greatness of spirit, as must tend to confound our foes, and
inspire the inhabitants of this Town to stand their ground
to the last. This, by the favor and blessing of God, we
are determined to do. He only can make us to stand.
Our most humble and thankful praises are due to Him,
for what He has already wrought for us ; and to Him our
eye must be directed for all the further mercy and salvation
we need.

We have nothing very remarkable, more than what you

Reply to Glastenbury. 141

will meet with in the public prints, but we shall at all
tinier be glad to communicate any interesting intelligence,

when an opportunity presents. If any of your friends
should come this way, the Committee would be glad to
know it.

We remain, with great esteem, Gentlemen, your affec-
tionate and much obliged friends and servants,

D\VTF> T-PFVTJTPQ J Per order of the Com-
A \ ID J &£ t Kl-Lb, j mittee of Donations.

To Messrs. Lyride Lord, and Reuben Smith,

Committee of Correspondence, Litchfield.

REPLY TO GLASTENBURY.

Boston, Nov. 16th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The zeal which the patriotic inhabitants of the Town
I of Glastenbury have discovered in the glorious cause of
liberty, by their readiness to support the Town of Boston
'under their present sufferings, is truly laudable ; and the
[Committee of Donations readily embrace this opportunity
| of acknowledging, in the name of the Town, the obliga-
tions they are under to them for their generous donation
of one hundred sixty-three and a half bushels of rye, and
three shillings and four pence in cash, by the hand of
Capt. Solomon Loveland, and assure them it shall be ap-
plied to the benevolent purpose for wdiich it was sent.

When we consider the number and power of our adver-
saries, our hearts are almost ready to fail ; but the justness
of our cause and a firm reliance on the God of justice for
support, inspire us with resolution to endure the extremest
sufferings, rather than sacrifice the liberties of America.
We natter ourselves our friends will continue to support
our industrious tradesmen, many of whom are obliged to
mortgage their little habitations, and others to sell their
plate and furniture for the maintenance of their families.
Unhappy Boston, to what miserable circumstances art thou
reduced !

That you may be informed of the manner in which we

142 Letter from Nathan Appleton.

are distributing the donations of our generous benefactors,
we have inclosed you an account, which we hope will meet
with the approbation of our friends in Glastenbury.

The following is an extract of a letter, dated London,
September 3d, 1774, from a person of distinction to a gen-
tleman here. He writes to this purpose, — that " he might
have been expected over into these parts, but his friends
urged his stay in London, until the result of the Congress
should be known, — that the spirit, temper and firmness of |
this people, and their union respecting their rights, greatly
surprised and disappointed our enemies, — that the current
of conversation which heretofore had been much against
us, was turned in our favor, and he (the writer) doubted
not that by the time the Parliament met, it would be as
general in our favor, as it had been against us ; and that
there would be a great number of our friends in Parlia-
ment the next session, — that the non-consumption agree-
ment, if faithfully adhered to, must be the ruin of the
Ministry, and our friends would succeed ; when we might
hope for such a constitutional charter from the King, Lords
and Commons, as would be agreeable to us, and for the
benefit of the whole empire." This intelligence may be
depended on.

We are, Gentlemen, your obliged friends and brethren,

TT TTtt t \ Per order of the Com-

±±.biMtt 1 J.J-1-LIj, j m ittee of Donations.

To the Committee of Correspondence in Glastenbury.

LETTER FROM NATHAN APPLETON.

Salem, Nov. Yith, 1774.
Gentlemen,

I wrote you the 9th instant, when I shipped thirty-five
or thirty-six casks of rice, on board Capt. Jabez Walker,
belonging to Mr. John Webb, which presume you have
received. I say thirty-five and thirty-six casks, as the tally
at delivering out the casks did not agree with the Captain's
tally at receiving it on board. I shall be glad to receive
the true quantity, in order to settle with Capt. Derby.

Letter from Baltimore. 143

Yesterday I shipped on board Capt. Thorp, who is going
up to Boston with grain from Fairfield, nineteen casks of
rice, which is all that remained undisposed of. (apt.
Thorp appeared very uneasy at being obliged to go up to
Boston with grain from Fairfield ; but hearing I had some
rice to send up, applied for the freight of it, and to induce
him the more cheerfully to go, I have put it on board, so
that he will expect the customary freight, especially as he
was obliged to go out of his way to take it on board. I
have settled with Capt. Williams, for the grain he brought
from Farmington. 1 propose to be at Boston next week,
when I shall carry up the account, and also Capt. Derby's.
IThey now ask twenty-five shillings for rye. If any more
i comes in, perhaps it will be as well to sell here. Inclosed
lis Fairfield letter, and Capt. Walker's receipt for the thirty-
five casks rice, sent last week.

With the greatest respect, I remain, Gentlemen, your
most humble servant,

Nath'l Appleton.

P. S. — Capt. Thorp has a small quantity of flax, which
he proposes to carry to Boston. There is none good to be
bought here.

To David Jeffries, Esq., Treasurer for the Town of Boston.

LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.

Baltimore, Nov. 21st, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Inclosed you have bill lading for one thousand seven
hundred bushels of corn and rye, which is shipped on
board the schooner Hawke, Nicholas Bartlett, master,
bound to Marblehead, being a donation from the gentlemen
of Talbot and Dorset Counties in this Province, for the use
of the poor of Boston ; of which donation the account we
received was eight hundred and fifty-three bushels corn,
and a barrel of Irish beef from the Committee of Talbot
County ; six hundred and twenty-two and a half bushels

144 Letter from Durham.

corn and three hundred and fifty-nine bushels rye, from the
Committee of Dorset County ; but as the gentlemen who
sent it to us observed that it was taken in by different
measures, which might be variable, it accordingly fell short
thirteen and a half bushels by our meas[ure]. Here you
will please to observe, that there yet rests with us, one
hundred and nineteen bushels corn, and the barrel of beef,
which Capt. Bartlett could not take in ; these we hope to
get shipped in Capt. Gorham's vessel, belonging to your
port, which we are now loading. The gentlemen who
addressed us this grain, have engaged to remit us the
amount of the freight thereof to Boston, so that we shall
remit to Capt. Bartlett' s owners.

We have the pleasure of informing you that we have
accounts from several friends in York and Cumberland
Counties, in Pennsylvania, that they are now collecting
contributions for your poor, which we hope will be liberal,
and which we hope to have the happiness of soon convey-
ing to you.

We are, with the greatest respect, Gentlemen, your most
humble servants,

Saml. and Eobt. Purviance.
To the Committee for receiving Donations for the Poor of Boston.

LETTER FROM DURHAM.

Durham, in New Hampshire, Nov. 21st, 17T4.
Gentlemen,

We take pleasure in transmitting to you, by Mr.
Scammel, a few cattle, with a small sum of money, which
a number of persons in this place, tenderly sympathizing
with our suffering brethren in Boston, have contributed
towards their support. With this, or soon after, you will
receive the donations of a number in Lee, a parish lately
set off from this Town, and in a few days, those of Dover,
Newmarket, and other adjacent Towns. What you here-
with receive, comes not from the opulent, but mostly from
the industrious yeomanry in this parish. We have but a

Letter from Durham. 145

few persons of affluent fortunes among us, but those have
most cheerfully contributed to the relief of the distressed
in your metropolis.

This is considered by us, not as a gift, or an act of
charity, but of justice, as a small part of what we are in
duty bound to communicate to those truly noble and pa-
triotic advocates of American freedom, who arc bravely
standing in the gap between us and slavery, defending the
common interests of a whole continent, and gloriously
struggling in the cause of liberty. Upon you the eyes of
all America are fixed. Upon your invincible patience,
fortitude and resolution, (under God,) depends all that is
dear to them and their posterity. May that superintendent
gracious Being, whose ears are ever open to the cry of the
oppressed, in answer to the incessant prayers of his people,
defend our just cause, turn the counsels of our enemies
into foolishness, deliver us from the hands of our oppres-
sors, and make those very measures, by which they are
endeavoring to compass our destruction, the means of fix-
ing our invaluable rights and privileges upon a more firm
and lasting basis.

While with the most painful sensations we reflect, that
prior to the commencement of the evils which now sur-
round us, supineness and inattention to our common inter-
ests had so far prevailed, as almost wholly to sink in luxury
and dissipation the inhabitants of these Colonies ; we are
bound to acknowledge the divine wisdom and goodness,
which by these calamities roused us from our lethargy, and
taught us to defend those inestimable liberties, which other-
wise must have been forever lost to us and our posterity ;
and to evince his determination to save America, directed
the attacks of our enemies to that quarter where the virtue
and firmness of the inhabitants could brave the shafts of
military tyrants, and set at defiance the threats of an exas-
perated and despotic minister.

We are pleased to find, that the methods by which the
ministry sought to divide, have happily united us, and by
every new act of oppression, more and more strengthened
union. And we can, with truth, assure you, gentlemen,
that in this quarter we are engaged, to a man, in your
i defence, and in defence of the common cause. We are

4th s. — VOL. TV. 10

146 Letter from South Kingston.

ready to communicate of our substance largely, as your
necessities require ; and, with our estates, to give our lives
and mingle our blood with yours, in the common sacrifice
to liberty. And since we have no asylum on earth, to
which we may fly ; before we will submit to wear the chains
of slavery, a profligate and arbitrary ministry are preparing
for us, we are determined upon an emigration through the
gate of death, in hope of inheriting the fair land of prom-
ise, and participating with our forefathers in the glorious
liberty of the sons of God.

That Heaven may support you, under your distressing
circumstances, and send you a speedy and happy deliver-
ance from your present troubles, is the earnest prayer of,
Gentlemen, your cordial friends and very humble servants,

John Adams, ) ^
TO > Committee.

John Sullivan, )

LETTER FROM SOUTH KINGSTON.

r. South Kingston, 22d Nov.. 1774.

Gentlemen, j ' '

This Town, being impressed with a sense of the
calamities that must attend their distressed brethren in
your Town, and also of the necessity and obligation that
we are under to contribute towards your relief, and to hold
fast the band of union so immediately necessary to support
us against any infringement upon our liberties, have con-
tributed towards your relief, and have remitted the same in
sheep, which you will receive by the bearers, Mr. Nath'l
Hawkins and Mr. Henry Reynolds. We have to recom-
mend to you a continuance in that philosophic disposition
towards your adversaries, so necessary to support your-
selves amidst the hand of oppression, hoping, in a short
time, your grievances will be redressed, and this once
happy land may again enjoy perfect liberty.
We are, Gentlemen, your obedient servants,

B. Peckham, }
Carder Hazard, > Committee.
Wm. Potter, )
To the Committee of Correspondence in Boston.
135 sheep.

Letter from llehobotk. 147

REPLY TO SOUTH KINGSTON.

Boston, 29th Nov., 1774.
Gentlemen,

When we reflect on the sympathy and generosity of
our brethren in the several Colonies, in supplying the
wants of this distressed Town, under the cruel yoke of
tyranny, our hearts glow with love to them, and we are
thereby strengthened and encouraged to bear our burthens.
And as Providence has called us to stand in the front, we
hope shall stand firm, and never desert the glorious cause
of our country, nor give up the least right which North
America, as men, as Christians, and good subjects ought to
enjoy. And we arc happy to find this to be the voice of
the several Colonies through the continent ; and we trust
in that God, who will never fail them that confide in him,
that shortly all our rights and privileges will be restored
and confirmed to us.

You will be pleased to return our hearty thanks to our
brethren of South Kingston, for their very generous dona-
tion of one hundred and [thirty]-five sheep, which we have
received from them by Mr. Xath'l Hawkins and Mr. Henry
Reynolds, and we trust they will be rewarded a thousand
fold ; and may the blessings of them who are ready to
perish rest on them.

I am, with great regard, in behalf of the Committee for
this Town, Gentlemen, your most humble servant,

Benj. Austin, per order.

To Messrs. Benj. Peckham, Carder Hazard, and Wm. Potter,
Committee for the Town South Kingston.

LETTER FROM REHOBOTH.

Rehoboth, Nov. Uth, 1774.
Sir,

Being in some measure sensible of the difficulty and
importance of your undertaking, 1 wish you all that virtue
and prudence necessary to the unexceptionable discharge

148 Letter from Philadelphia.

of a work of so good and salutary a nature as that in
which you and your brethren, the Committee of Donations,
are at present engaged, viz., in taking care of your afflicted
fellow-citizens, suffering by virtue of the Boston Port Bill.
I presume, as I could wish, that the paternal care of the
Committee, and the liberalities of your distant brethren,
will unremittedly continue, till our grievances are redressed.
And I hope the time is not far distant, when you, and all
North America, will reap the happy and lasting effects of
your and their making so manly and virtuous a stand for
those rights and privileges which God, nature and compact
have given us. The Letter from the Committee, in conse-
quence of the donation, was directed to the Selectmen of
Eehoboth, in the Colony of Rhode Island, which was a
mistake, Eehoboth being in the Massachusetts Bay.

Your very good friend and servant,

SUTTD a T?T "P-cntr ( One of the Seleet-
11 U IS A.L.L -T .LL1V, men of itehoboth.

LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA.'

Philadelphia, Nov. 25th, 1774.
Sir,

By an order of Committee of the City and County of
Philadelphia, Messrs. John Nixon, George Clymer and

i In Pennsylvania, on the 20th of May, 1774, a meeting of " between two and
three hundred of the respectable inhabitants " of Philadelphia, was held, who
appointed a Committee of Correspondence, and passed the following vote of
instructions : " That the Committee be instructed to write to the people of Bos-
ton, that we truly feel for their unhappy situation; that we consider them suffer-
ing in the general cause ; that we recommend to them firmness, prudence and
moderation ; and that we shall continue to evince our firm adherence to the cause
of American liberty." John Dickenson, Thomas Mifflin, Joseph Reed, George
Clymer and Charles Thompson were members of this Committee. Their letter
dated May 21, was intrusted to Paul Revere, who had been sent from Boston to
communicate with the patriots of Pennsylvania and other Colonies. The Essex
Gazette of May 31, contains an article relative to this mission, dated Boston,
May 30, from which the following is an extract : " On Saturday last, Mr. Paul
Revere returned from Philadelphia, having been sent express to the Southern
Colonies, with intelligence of the late rash, impolitic and vindictive measures of
the British Parliament, who, by the execrable Port Bill, have held out to us a
most incontestable argument why we ought to submit to their jurisdiction ; and
what rich blessings we may secure to ourselves and posterity, by an acquiescence
in their lenity, wisdom, and justice. Nothing can exceed the indignation with
which our brethren in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and Philadelphia

Letter from Philadelphia. 11!)

myself, were directed to purchase and forward to your
address, for the Town of Boston, five tons of rod iron, four
hundred barrels of flour and two hundred barrels of ship
stuff, under restrictions agreeable to the contents of a letter

have received this proof of ministerial madness. They universally declare their
resolution to stand by us to the lasl extremity."

In Philadelphia, on the 1st of Juno, business generally was suspended. A
letter dated June 'J, says : •• Yesterday we had a pause in the business of the
city, and a solemn pause it indeed was. If we except the Friends, I believe
| nine-tenths of the citizens shut up their houses. The bells were rang, muffled,
all the day, and the ships in the port had their colors half hoisted." George
Clymer, in a letter to Josiah Quincy, (Quincy's life of Quincy, p. J<>7,) dated
Philadelphia, June 13, says : " The genera] subscription to be opened here, which
I hope will be followed in other places, will show that your neighbors have not
absolutely forsaken you in your day of distress."

The Boston Gazette of July 4, contains the resolutions passed " at a very large
and respectable meeting of the freeholders and freemen of the City and County
of Philadelphia, on Saturday, June 18,1774." The fifth resolution is : "That
the Committee be instructed immediately to set on foot a subscription for the
relief of such poor inhabitants of the Town of Boston, as may be deprived of
the means of subsistence by the operation of the Act of Parliament, commonly
Styled the Boston Port Bill; the money arising- from such subscription to be laid
out as the Committee shall think will best answer the ends proposed." On the
'.2 1st of June, at a meeting held at Easton, Northampton County, it was resolved
to raise contributions for the relief of the suffering inhabitants of Boston ; " and
thai it is the duty of every inhabitant of this County to contribute, according to
his circumstances, to relieve their suffering brethren."

The Boston Gazette of June 20, says: " We hear that the patriotic inhabitants
of Philadelphia, have generously voted to give the poor of this Town, one thou-
sand five hundred barrels of flour, five hundred of which it is said may be soon
expected."

On the 15th of July, the several Counties of Pennsylvania met in Convention
at Philadelphia, when it was unanimously, " Voted, That we consider our breth-
ren at Boston as suffering in the common cause of these Colonies." And " that
it is the duty of every member of this Committee, [i. e. Convention,] to promote,
as much as he can, the subscriptions set on foot in the several Counties of this
Province, for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of Boston."

The Boston Gazette of August 29, has the following: "Letters from Philadel-
phia say, that City only has raised four thousand pounds, that currency, for the
support of Boston, and that every other Town in Pennsylvania government are
doing in proportion."

On the 15th of December, the " Committee" for Bucks County, " Voted, That
we hold it as our bounden duty, both as Christians and as countrymen, to con-
tribute towards the relief and support of the poor inhabitants of the Town of
Boston, now suffering in the general cause of all the Colonies ; and we do hereby
recommend the raising a sum of money for that purpose, to every inhabitant or
! taxable in this County, as soon as possible."

On the 14th of February, 1775, at a meeting of a Convention of York County,
the proceedings of the late Provincial Convention were approved; and it was
M It* solved. That the township Committee-men in this County ought, as soon as
[possible, to collect the flour and grain subscribed for the poor of Boston, and
convert the same into cash; and that they immediately pay such cash and all
other moneys subscribed into the hands of Messrs. Joho Donalson and George
lErwin, who. with the direction of any ten of the Committee, are to remit the
stme in billj of exchange to the Committee of Boston, for the poor of that
pbce. w — Ed.

150 Letter from Canterbury.

from the Committee of Correspondence of Boston, received
11th July, 1774. You have, agreeable to the above order,
an invoice and bill lading inclosed, for two hundred and
fifty-six barrels of flour, and one hundred and five barrels
of stuff, on board the sloop Dolphin, Capt. Lemuel Church,
which is all we could get on board, and this vessel is the I
first we could obtain to take the goods since the above
order. By Capt. Allen, in the sloop America, we have
shipped about one hundred and fifty barrels of flour, which
is all he could take, and have also engaged room in a Cape
Cod schooner for the remainder of the order for flour, and
stuff. The rod iron is not to be had, the late dry spell of
weather having prevented any being made ; but the propri-
etor of the works has very obligingly promised the first
that shall be made, and we hope it will be in time for the
Cape Cod vessel. This is in part of the subscriptions pro-
cured in the City of Philadelphia, which amounts at present
to about two thousand pounds. The rest, when collected,
will be forwarded as the Committee shall direct, as also
what shall be sent in from the country, from whence has
been received the value of near one hundred and thirty
barrels, being the donation of different Townships in one
of our back Counties. We doubt not the other Counties
will contribute considerably, when the new Committees
shall be chosen. In mean while, tenderly feeling for the
inexpressibly distressed situation of your Town, and wish-
ing an happy and speedy issue from the exertions of
tyranny, to the full enjoyment of peace, liberty and secu-
rity, I have the pleasure to subscribe myself, with much
regard,

Sir, your very humble servant,

Jona. B. Smith.
To William Phillips, Esq., Merchant, Boston.

LETTER FROM CANTERBURY.

o Connecticut, Canterbury, Nov. 21th, 1774.

Being affected with a sense of the righteousness of
the cause that the people of Boston are suffering under, as

Letter from Charlestown. L51

it concerns all the people of America to be roused to sup-
port them, that they may not faint under their distresses, it
took hold on my covetous heart, and made me willing to
contrihutc my little mite, which I have sent by Mr. Green,
of Mendam, a beef cow for the distressed, and ordered him
to deliver it to the Committee for that purpose ; and may the
Lord deliver the people of America out of the hands of
a wicked and despotic power, who are exerting all the
suhtilty and malice of hell to enslave us. O may Almighty
God still rouse and further unite the people of America, as
one man, to a sense of their liberties, and never give them
up, as long as sun, moon and stars shall endure ; and never
submit to be slaves, but be willing to sacrifice life and all
things to the defence and preservation of them ; which is
the earnest desire of

Your humble servant,

Aaron Cleaveland.

To the Committee of Boston, who take Donations.

LETTER FROM CHARLESTOWN.

Charlestown, Nov. 21th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We have received your favor of 25th instant, and
much approve of your making insurance on any interest
that may be heard of as coining to us as donations for the
relief of the sufferers, &c. As your proportion is so much
larger than ours, we leave it with you to act for the whole,
and engage to pay our proportionable part of the premium.
Wishing a speedy deliverance from the distresses we jointly
labor under,

We are, Gentlemen, with great respect, your sincere
friends, and very humble servants,

Isaac Foster, j"^ 6
To the Committee of Ways and Means in Boston.

152 Letter from New Market.

LETTER FROM NEW MARKET.

New Hampshire, New Market, Nov. 28th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The Committee of the inhabitants of New Market, by g
their desire, crave leave to express the deepest concern at
the many unconstitutional acts passed by the English Par- 1
liament to enslave a free and loyal people, and the alarm-
ing measures pursued to enforce them. It gives us the
greatest uneasiness that the inhabitants of your Province,
and more especially of Boston, most eminently distin-l
guished for their vigilance, fortitude and public spirit in
explaining and defending our liberties and privileges, are \
the unhappy subjects of several of these acts, and of the
abuse of a British Minister. We observe his policy to
change our constitution and religion, in introducing those
acts upon only a small part of the people, at a time, and
under very many circumstances, which seem to insure suc-
cess. And this evinces to us the interesting ties of duty |
and honor the community and each of its members are
under, mutually to support, relieve and defend each other.

Be pleased, gentlemen, to permit us to sympathize with
you under oppression and distress, and to present you the
donation of New Market for the relief of the poor of Bos-
ton, in assurance of equal approbation of Heaven, and in
your sight with those who of their abundance have given
much.

To sustain, repair and beautify our free constitution,
was a charge intrusted with men who basely betrayed it.
This charge is revested in the people who reposed it in
them ; and should the times require it, we will unitedly
risk our fortunes and lives in the protection of the liberty
of Britons. " A duty which we owe to ourselves, who
enjoy it ; to our ancestors, who transmitted it down ; and
to our posterity, who will claim at our hands this the best
birthright, and noblest inheritance of mankind."

Your obedient servants,

Jeremiah Folsom, ) Committee of
Samuel Gilman, \ New Market.

To the Committee for receiving Donations for the Poor of Boston.

Reply to New Market. 153

REPLY TO NEW MARKET.

Boston, Dec. 1st, 1774. 1
Gentlemen,

By the hands of Mr. Samuel Oilman, and Samuel
Wiggins, the Committee of Donations have Teceived your
very affectionate letter, and are greatly obliged to the in-
habitants of the Town of New Market, for the brotherly
love and sympathy discovered therein for the distressed
inhabitants of this metropolis, occasioned by the cruel and
unjust Boston Port Bill ; as also your kind and generous
present of seven fat cattle, for the relief of the poor among
us ; and, in behalf of the Town, return our thankful
acknowledgments to our brethren, the generous and patri-
otic inhabitants aforesaid, who discover such a readiness,
not only to sympathize but also to share with us in our
troubles. The cause is common, and we greatly rejoice to
find that our friends and brethren in this and the other
Provinces on this continent, consider it as such. In testi-
mony hereof, we are frequently receiving their generous
donations, which afford us great relief under the difficulties
we are conflicting with. But we have not time to enlarge.
We send the inclosed that you may see the conduct of the

1 The following preamble and resolve appear in the Journals of December:

" In Provincial Congress, Cambridge, Dec. 1, 1774:

" Whereas, by the vigorous operation of the Boston Port Bill, the metropolis of
this Province and the neighboring Town of Charlestown, have been brought into
a most distressful state, many of the inhabitants being deprived of the means of
their subsistence, and reduced to the cruel alternative of quitting their habita-
tions, or perishing in them by famine, if they had not been supported by the free
and generous contributions of our sister Colonies, even from the remotest parts
of this continent, —

" Resolved, That the grateful acknowledgments of this Congress be returned
to the several Colonies, for having so deeply interested themselves in behalf of
said Towns under their present sufferings in the common cause ; and that the
Congress consider their donations, not only as unexampled acts of benevolence
to this Province in general, which has also greatly suffered, and of charity to
those Towns in particular, but as convincing proofs of the firm attachment of all
the Colonies to the glorious cause of liberty, and of their fixed determination to
support them in the noble stand they are now making for the liberties of them-
selves and all America.

Signed by order of the Provincial Congress,

[En.] John Hancock, President.

4th s. — vol, iv. 20

154 Letter from Providence.

Committee in disposing of the donations of our friends,
which we hope will be satisfactory.

We are, with great respect, Gentlemen, your much
obliged friends and humble servants,

T/^tttvt Q/-kT pv S Per order the Commit-
JOHN £>OLEY,j tee of Donations.

To Messrs. Jeremiah Folsom, and Samuel Oilman,

Committee of Correspondence, New Market.

LETTER FROM PROVIDENCE.

Providence, Nov. 28th, 1774. j
Gentlemen, |

The Town of Providence, at a late meeting, voted, that
the sum of one hundred and twenty-five pounds, lawful 1
money, should be raised and remitted to the Committee for 1
receiving Donations in the Town of Boston, to be applied 1
as they should see fit, towards the support of the indus- j
trious poor of the said Towns of Boston and Charlestown. |
You will receive this as a testimony of the approbation !
that the Town of Providence mean to manifest to the firm ]
opposition that the inhabitants of the Town of Boston have
and are still making, to the tyrannical impositions of a cor-
rupt ministry. By the bearer, Simon Smith, we send you
one hundred thirty-six sheep, to be applied as you may «
think best for answering the above intention. We should i
not at this time have sent any part of our supplies in sheep,
but these being a parcel that was brought into this Town, }
to be exported to the West Indies, which had been pur- 1
chased two months agone, and the people thinking that ■
it was against the resolves of the Congress, the Committee
have thought best to forward them to you. The balance of |
the donation will be remitted in cash, as soon as collected.

I am, in behalf of the Committee for the Town of Prov- 1
idence, your friend, &c.

James Angell.

To the Committee for receiving Donations in Boston.

Letters from Philadelphia. 155

It E PLY TO PROVIDENCE.

Boston, Nov. 30th, 1774.
Sir,

Your very kind letter of the 28th instant, we have
received, with one hundred and thirty-five sheep, by the
bearer, Mr. Simeon Smith, and thank you for the intelli-
gence given us, that our worthy brethren of Providence
have generously voted this Town and Charles town, one
hundred and twenty-five pounds, lawful money, towards the
support of their industrious poor. We receive these sheep
as part of the said donation, and doubt not of receiving the
remainder as soon as it can be collected. The kindness
and generosity of brethren of Providence, and the several
Colonies, to this distressed Town, fill our hearts with love
and gratitude. They may depend upon our steady adher-
ence to the common cause, and that we shall not give up
any of the rights of North America, but shall ever oppose
the tyrannical impositions of a corrupt ministry. You
will please to tender our thanks to the Committee of the
Town of Providence, and through them to the whole
Town.

I am, in behalf of the Committee of Donations for this
Town, Sir, your most humble servant,

Ben j. Austin, per order.

To Mr. James Angell, in Providence.

LETTERS FROM PHILADELPHIA.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28th, 1774.
■ Sir,

By order of the late Committee for City and County of

Philadelphia, we were directed to ship to your address, for

j the employment or relief of the inhabitants of the Town of

• Boston, four hundred barrels of flour, two hundred barrels

156 Letters from Philadelphia.

of ship stuff, and five tons of rod iron. We have accord-
ingly shipped on hoard Sloop Dolphin, Lemuel Church,
master, which sailed two days ago, two hundred and fifty-
six barrels of flour, and one hundred and five barrels ship
stuff, and on board the sloop America, Perkins Allen, mas-
ter, (to sail to-morrow,) have shipped one hundred and
fifty barrels flour ; these are the first vessels we could
procure to take any of the goods, and the above is the
whole of what we could get on board them. The rod iron
is not to be had, owing to the very dry weather we have II
had, and the works being out of repair. By the first :
opportunity which shall offer, the remainder of subscrip-
tions will be forwarded.

We are, Sir, your very humble servants,

John Nixon.
Jon a. B. Smith.
Geo. Clymer.

To William Phillips, Esq., Merchant, Boston.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28th, 1774.
Sir,

On the other side you have invoice, and inclosed is
bill lading for one hundred and fifty barrels flour shipped
by the late Committee for the City and County of Phila-
delphia to your address. This is part of the subscriptions
made in the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, for the
relief of the Town of Boston, and is all we could procure
room for on board this vessel. The flour is with us called
condemned, but in the opinion of our officer, (who kindly
connived at our shipping it on this occasion,) and others,
you will find none but sound and healthy, and such as will
make good bread, a very great proportion as such is always
used by our bakers.

I am, Sir, respectfully, your very humble servant,

Jonathan B. Smith.

To William Phillips, Esq., Merchant in Boston.

Letter from Newport. 157

REPLY TO PHILADELPHIA.

Boston, January Gth, 1775.

MR,

I am directed by the Committee of the Town of Bos-
;on, appointed to receive and distribute the donations that
ire made for the relief of the poor of this Town, to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your favors of the 28th November,
md to return their unfeigned thanks to the inhabitants of
:he City and Liberties of Philadelphia for the generous
lonations they have made and transmitted by Captains
Church and Allen, consisting of four hundred and six bar-
rels fionr, and one hundred barrels ship stuff, which, you
may rely upon it, will be applied by the Committee to the
benevolent purpose for which you designed it. Our situa-
tion is truly distressing. Families that have lived in the
greatest affluence, are now reduced to the most disagreeable
circumstances ; but, through God's goodness, the hearts of
our brethren have been opened for our relief. They have
enabled us to bear up under oppression, to the astonish-
ment of our enemies, and we trust we shall be enabled still
to remain firm, and never to desert the glorious cause of
pur country.

I remain, with great truth, your friend and humble
'servant,

Thom's Cushing.

To Mr. Jonathan B. Smith, Merchant, Philadelphia.

LETTER FROM NEWPORT.

Newport, Nov. 30th, 1774.

To the Committee of Ways and Means for the Town of Boston :

Gentlemen,

Having been appointed by this Town to take in sub-
scriptions for the support of the distressed inhabitants of
the Town of Boston, we have used our best endeavors to

158 Reply to Newport.

answer the end of our appointment, and have got sub-
scribed to the amount of near one thousand dollars, five
hundred and four and a quarter of which we have col- j
lected, which you will herewith receive by Mr. Peter Mum- j
ford, and will please to give him a receipt for the same, as
received of us, in part of this Town's subscription. The
remainder we shall collect and remit as soon as possible.

"We sincerely condole the distresses of your Town and j
Province, and at the same time highly applaud your firm-
ness and prudence. We look on your troubles as our own,
and shall not fail to exert ourselves for your future support,
in case you are not soon relieved ; being fully convinced
that at all events you must stand out against the present
arbitrary and cruel proceedings, or all North America must
inevitably fall a sacrifice to the most oppressive and brutal
tyranny that ever disgraced the most savage nation upon the
face of the earth.

We are, Gentlemen, your sincere friends and very humble
servants,

John Tanner.
Jos. Clarke.
Simon Newton.
John Read.
Solomon Southwick.
George Gibbs.
Joseph Anthony.
Nath. Coggeswell.
John G. Wanton.
Jacob Rod Rivera.
Peleg Barker.
Josias Lyndon.
Robt. Stevens, Jun.

REPLY TO NEWPORT.

Boston, Dec. 5th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Your esteem[ed] favor of the 30th ultimo, per Mr.
Mumford, we duly received, with the five hundred and four
and a quarter dollars, being part, as you mention, of the

Reply to North Yarmouth. 159

generous donation of our worthy friends and brethren of
:he Town of Newport, for the benefit of the poor of this
Town, distressed by the late cruel Acts of Parliament.
The kindness and generosity that is raised in the breast of
our friends, not only in your Town and Colony, but in all
the neighboring governments, surely can be imputed to
none but the kind hand of Providence. It affords us no
small satisfaction, under our distressed circumstances, to
find that our friends truly sympathize with us, and make
our troubles their own, which they prove not only to be in
word but in deed.

We return our grateful acknowledgments to the Town,
and are, with much esteem, Gentlemen, your obliged friend
and humble servant,

Tr»xr ,\ IVf \ crnv S In behalf of the Com-
J ON A. 1V1ASON , | inittee of Donations .

To Messrs. John Turner, Joseph Clarke, and others, Committee for
the Town of Newport, to receive Donations for the Poor of Boston.

REPLY TO NORTH YARMOUTH.

Boston, Bee. 6th, 1774.

I Gentlemen,

This day Mr. Stephen Hall, one of the wharfingers of
i this Town, sent to the Treasurer of the Committee of
Donations, a receipt of the following tenor, viz.

Boston, December 5th, 1774.
Landed on my wharf, by David Loring, from North Yarmouth, thirty -five cords
of wood, which I promise to be accountable to the Committee of Donations for.

35 cords. Stephen Hall.

The Committee, therefore, in behalf of the Town, take
this opportunity, by Capt. Loring, with gratitude to ac-
knoAvlcdge the kindness of our worthy friends and brethren
of North Yarmouth, in their seasonable and generous
donation of the thirty-five cords wood, above mentioned.
We are particularly obliged to you, gentlemen, as also to
Capt. Loring, for your care and trouble in transmitting said

160 Letter from Norfolk.

donation to us. We shall endeavor to comply with the
benevolent intent of the donors, in the distribution of their
charity. And, that they may be more fully apprised of the
rules of our conduct in general, we have taken the liberty
to inclose a printed account thereof, which we hope will
meet with their approbation.

The Christian sympathy and liberality of our friends,;
greatly refresh our spirits, and serve to support us under
our pressing and increasing difficulties ; but, by the favori
and blessing of God, we trust we shall be enabled still to
persevere until the happy time shall arrive, when " every
man shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and
none shall make him afraid."

We wish North Yarmouth temporal and spiritual pros-}
perity, and are, Gentlemen, your much obliged friends and I
fellow-countrymen,

David Jeffries, j MfD^tSST
To Messrs. John Southward, and William Cutter, North Yarmouth,

LETTER FROM NORFOLK.

Norfolk, Virginia, Dec. 6th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We, the Committee appointed by the inhabitants of
the County and Borough of Norfolk, (and Town of Ports-
mouth,) for transmitting their donations for the relief of
the indigent poor in your Town, inclose you the bill of
lading accordingly, the freight being paid here. It is with
pleasure we can inform you of the cheerful accession of
all the trading interest of this Colony to the association of
the Continental Congress, and they have all subscribed it
as a proof of their approbation. We wish you persever-
ance, moderation, firmness and success in this grand con-
test, which we view as our own in every respect. Contri-
butions for your relief are raising throughout this Domin-
ion, and will, we hope, be looked upon as a small proof,

Reply to Norfolk-. 161

how much the good people of this Colony arc attached to
the cause of Boston and American liberty.

We arc, with respect, Gentlemen, your affectionate
brethren,

Edw'd Archer.
John Goodrich, Jun.
Alexand'r Mosely.
John Boush.
Tho m a s M ath ew s .

To the Committee for receiving Donations for the Poor of Boston.

Per Capt. Rysam.

REPLY TO NORFOLK.

Boston, Feb. 1, 1775.

Mr. Edward Archer and others, a Committee for the County and
Borough of Norfolk, and Town of Portsmouth, in Virginia.

Gentlemen,

The Committee appointed to receive and distribute the
'donations made for the relief and employment of the suf-
ferers by the Port Bill, have received your letter of the 6th
December last, inclosing a bill of lading for seven hundred
and fifteen bushels corn, thirty-three barrels pork, fifty-eight
barrels bread, and ten barrels flour. We are sorry to
inform you that the vessel was cast away, but being timely
advised of the disaster by Capt. Rysam, we have, though
].iot without considerable expense, the good fortune of sav-
ing the most part of the cargo.

The County and Borough of Norfolk, and Town of Ports-
mouth, who made this charitable donation for the sufferers
above mentioned, have the due acknowledgments of this
Committee, and their hearty thanks, with assurance that it
shall be applied agreeable to the benevolent design. The
cheerful accession of the gentlemen of Virginia to the
measures proposed by the late Continental Congress, is an
nstance of that zeal for, and attachment to the cause of
America, in which that Colony has ever distinguished
lerself.

This Town is suffering the severest strokes of ministerial
4th s. — vol. iv. 21

162 Letters from New York.

vengeance, for their adherence to the same virtuous cause ;
and while the sister Colonies are testifying their approba-
tion of its conduct, and so liberally contributing for its
support, we trust the inhabitants will continue to bear their
suffering with a manly fortitude, and preserve a superiority
over their insulting enemies.

I am, in the name of the Committee, Gentlemen, your
sincere friend and fellow-countryman,

Sam'l Adams.

LETTERS FROM NEW YORK.'

New York, Dec. 1th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

As a token that we have not forgot the poor of your 1

Town, we send you by the Boston packet, Capt. Barnard, i

1 The manner in which the intelligence of the passage of the Port Bill was ;
received in New York, is stated in a letter dated New York, May J 4, ad-
dressed to the Boston Committee of Correspondence, and printed in the Boston !
Gazette of May 23. The following is an extract from this letter: "Last Thurs- |'
day, Capt. Couper arrived from London, in twenty-seven days. By him we have I
received the shocking and detestable Act of Parliament, that shuts up your port |
the first of June. We want language to express our abhorrence of this addi- 1
tional act of tyranny to America; we clearly see that she is to be attacked and f
enslaved by distressing and subduing you."

A ''very general meeting of the inhabitants" assembled on the 16th of May, |
1774, at " the Exchange," and appointed a Committee of Fifty to correspond
with " sister Colonies." John Jay was a member. This Committee sent to Bos-
ton a letter dated May 24, in which they say : "Asa sister Colony, suffering in
defence of the rights of America, we consider your injuries as a common cause,
to the redress of which it is equally our duty and our interest to contribute."
They also made the following important recommendation: "We conclude that a
Congress of Deputies from the Colonies in general, is of the utmost moment;
that it ought to be assembled without delay, and some unanimous resolution
formed, in this fatal emergency, not only respecting your deplorable circum-
stances, but for the security of our common rights."

A letter dated New York, June 26, 1774, says: "I am well informed that sub-
scriptions are rapidly going on in Philadelphia, and some of the other Southern
Colonies, for the relief of the suffering poor in your Town ; and a motion will
be made to-morrow evening, at our Grand Committee, for the same laudable pur-
pose ; which I am well assured will be carried, and a subscription immediately
opened."

At a meeting of the Committee of Correspondence, July 19, ] 774, on motion
of Mr. Jay, ordered, " That a Committee be appointed to take the distresses of
the poor of the Town of Boston, and ways and means for their relief, into con-
sideration, and make their Report, with all convenient speed." On the 7th of
August, the General Committee appointed a Committee to procure proper per-
sons " to go round in the different wards in this city, with a subscription," for the
relief of the poor of Boston. On the 9th of August, the General Committee, in

Letters from New York. !(>:{

one hundred and eighty barrels flour, nine barrels pork,
and twelve firkins butter, as a donation in part from the
inhabitants of this city to the poor of your Town, who

a letter addressed to the Boston Committee of Correspondence, say: "The dis-
tresses of tin? poor of your Town, and ways and means for their relief, have
engaged the earnest attention of our Committee ; and for this necessary and be-
nevolent purpose, we have agreed that a subscription shall be set on foot through-
out the Colony, which we do not doubt will meet the wished for success."

On the '20th August, the inhabitants of Westchester, New York, "Resolved,
That we esteem it our duty, and think it incumbent on all the Colonies in Amer-
ica, to contribute towards the relief of the poor and distressed people of Boston;
and that a person of this Borough be appointed to collect such charitable dona-
tions, within the same, as may be offered for their support."

The Boston Gazette of Septen her 5, has the following: "New York, August
25. We hear that last Monday morning, as two of the gentlemen appointed by
the Committee to collect for our suffering brethren in Boston, set out upon that

business. The first gentleman they called upon was Mr. D e, who generously

presented them with ten pounds in cash, and the best pipe of brandy in his dis-
tillery, valued at twenty-eight pounds; observing at the same time, that the
generosity of the Virginians and Carolinians, &c, was great and honorable with
respect to food, but he thought such glorious sufferers for the common good,
ought to drink as well as eat."

On the '27th of August, the inhabitants of Palatine district, Tryon County,
"Resolved, That we will unite and join with the different districts of this County,
in giving whatever relief it is in our power to the poor distressed inhabitants of
Boston, and that we will join and unite, with our brethren of the rest of this
Colony, in anything tending to the support and defence of our rights and
{liberties."

At a meeting of " the Committees of Correspondence " for the County of Suf-
folk, on the 15th of November, it was " Voted, That wo do recommend it to the
several Towns in this County, to set forward a subscription for the employment
and relief of the distressed poor in the Town of Boston, to be collected in such
manner as the Committees of each Town shall judge proper ; to be in readiness
to be forwarded early next spring." " Voted, That Mr. John Foster have the
care of procuring a vessel to call at the several harbors in this County, to receive
and carry the above donations to Boston, for the purpose aforesaid."

On the (>th of December, at a town meeting in Jamaica, it was Resolved, That
heir " brethren " of Boston, " as sufferers in the common cause, are entitled to
he encouragement, compassion, and charitable assistance of all the friends of
•liberty and foes of oppression, both in England and America."

The Essex Gazette of December 13, has the following: "The Town of East
iHampton, on Long Island, have laid a tax upon the Town, sufficient to raise one
ihundred pounds, New York currency, for the support of the industrious poor of
;Boston. A subscription is also set on foot in every parish in the County of
iSuffblk, on Long Island, to raise donations for the same laudable purpose; a
Committee appointed in each parish to receive the same ; and instructions given
.to collect grain, flax, &c, to send to Boston in March next."

The Essex Gazette of February 7, 1775, has the following : " The County of
i Albany, in New York, in which are seventeen districts, have at a general meeting,
adopted the Resolves of the Continental Congress, and kindly agreed to make
(collections for our sufferers by the Port Bill — the measure having been as kindly
[recommended to them by the Members of New York, who were at the late Con-
jgress. A fresh instance of the happy union and spirit that prevails in the
^Colonies, which must finally prove superior to the chicanery of a few ignorant
and bribed representatives."— Ed.

164 Letters from New York.

suffer by the Port Bill ; also twenty-one barrels wheat and
rye, sent as a present from the inhabitants of Marble Town,i
in Ulster County ; the whole amounting to four hundred j
and eight pounds, nineteen shillings, nine and a half
pence, as per annexed invoice ; all which we wish safe to I
hand, and that it may prove a seasonable supply, notwith- j
standing it comes at the eleventh hour. In a few days we j
expect to get a vessel, when we shall send you as much
more, and some rod iron. In the mean time we remain,
with respect,

Gentlemen, your most obedient servants,

Peter T. Curtenius.
G. Duyckinck.
Gerard Wm. Beekman.

To Messrs. John Row, Sam'l Adams and others, appointed to receive
the Donations, and for employing the poor sufferers by the Port Bill
in Boston.

Per Capt. Barnard.

New York, Dec. llth, 1774.

Gentlemen,

Our last to you was the 7th instant, per Capt. Barnard,
by whom we sent you flour, &c, to the amount of four
hundred and eight pounds, nineteen shillings, nine and a
half pence, as a donation from this City to the poor of your
Town. This serves to inclose you invoice and bill of lad-
ing for flour, &c, shipped per the sloop Joseph, Capt.
Linsey, amounting, with charges, to six hundred and fifty-
three pounds, nine shillings, nine pence, as a further dona-
tion from the inhabitants of this City to the poor of yours.
We have between two and three hundred pounds more
subscribed, but it is not collected ; when it is, we shall send
you a further supply, per first opportunity that offers.

In the mean time we remain, with respect, Gentlemen,
your most obedient servants,

G. Duyckinck.

Peter T. Curtenius.
To John Row, Esq., and others, the Committee for Donations.

Letter to Col. Orne. 165

REPLY TO NEW YORK.

Boston, Jan. 9th, 1775.

rENTLEMEN,

The Committee appointed by the inhabitants of this
Town, to receive and distribute the donations of our friends
? or the benefit of the sufferers by the Boston Port Bill,
icknowledge your several favors of the 7th and 17th of
December last, inclosing invoices of flour, &c, amounting,
with charges, to one thousand and sixty-two pounds, 9/6,
which, agreeable to your kind wishes, are come safe to hand.
I am directed by the Committee to request that you would
assure our benefactors, the citizens of New York, of their
warmest gratitude for the very seasonable relief they have
afforded to their afflicted brethren in this place, by such
generous donations, in this most difficult time of the year.
While we acknowledge the superintendency of divine
Providence, we feel our obligations to the sister Colonies.
By their liberality, they have greatly chagrined the com-
mon enemies of America, who flattered themselves with
hopes that before this day they should starve ns into a
compliance with the insolent demands of despotic power.
But the people, relieved by your charitable contributions,
bear the indignity with becoming patience and fortitude.
IThey are not insensible of the injuries done them as men,
as well as free Americans ; but they restrain their just
resentment from a due regard to the common cause.

The Committee beg the favor of you, gentlemen, to re-
turn their thanks to our worthy brethren of Marble Town,
[for the valuable donation received from them.

I am, with due acknowledgments for the care you have
taken, in the name of the Committee, Gentlemen, your
obliged friend and servant,

Sam'l Adams.

To Mr. Peter T. Curtenius, at New York.

LETTER TO COL. ORNE.

^ Boston, December 1th, 1774.

Cjextlemen,

Our worthy brethren of Alexandria, in Virginia, have
kindly shipped on board of Capt. "Woodbridge, now in your

166 Letter from the Union Fire Club.

harbor, about two hundred barrels of flour, (we cannot
ascertain the exact quantity,) for the benefit of the poor of
this Town, who are sufferers by the Port Bill.

We beg the favor of you, gentlemen, to receive the flour
of Capt. Woodbridge, and ship it to us as soon as you con-
veniently can, which we doubt not you will do on the best if
terms ; and please to draw on us for what expense you may I
have been at. We ask pardon for repeatedly giving you
so much trouble, but from your well known generous and
patriotic disposition, we flatter ourselves you will readily
forgive us. We are, with great respect, Gentlemen, your
most humble servant,

D AN . AY A LDO , j For the Committee.

To Col. Azov Orne, and others, Committee of Correspondence,
Marblehead.

REPLY OF COL. ORNE.

Marblehead, Dec. 16th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

In compliance with your desire by your letter of the
7th inst., we have received and shipped on board Capt.
Martin, one hundred fifty-seven barrels flour, which he
will deliver to your order. Capt. Woodbury told us the do-
nation he brought consisted of no more. We have made no
agreement with Martin for the freight, but refer him to
you, concluding, as he is a son of liberty, he will not be
unreasonable. We congratulate you on seeing your dis-
tant friends so mindful of your distresses as to endeavor to
alleviate them by their charitable donations, and are, with
esteem,

Gentlemen, your friends and fellow-countrymen,

T Otjtvtt i B y order of the Commit-
O . VyrXlNH,, | tee f Correspondence.

To the Committee of Donations, at Boston.

LETTER FROM THE UNION FIRE CLUB.

Salem, December 8th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

At a time when cruelty and oppression ride trium-
phant over right and justice, and is aiming the fatal arrows

Letter from the Union Fire Club. 167

of death at the last standing pillar of civil and religious
liberty, that heart that glows not with a sympathetic benev-
olence toward the intended victim ; that hand which refuses
the assistance it has the power to lend, must be insensible
to those exquisite feelings which happily a generous bosom,
must be dead to all the tender ties of humanity. The dis-
tressed situation to which our brethren in Boston are
reduced, while with a noble resolution and an unexampled
fortitude they are opposing the most arbitrary, tyrannical
and oppressive measures of an infatuated ministry, exhibits
the most cogent inducement to all who know the worth of
Heavens richest gift, to appear and show themselves friends
to the righteous cause for which America contends, for
which our brethren suffer.

From a full conviction of the weight of these consider-
ations, and in testimony of the high sense we have of our
, obligation to that valuable part of the community, our
j brethren in Boston, who have so generously signalized their
I unabated steadiness and fidelity to the most important
cause that ever moved a people, the Union Fire Club in
! this Town, at their last quarterly meeting, on Thursday
j evening, December 8, 1774, when nineteen members were
present, moved with an ardent cheerfulness, agreed to a sub-
I scription for the assistance of our distressed brethren in that
' Town. The sum of forty pounds, which was subscribed, we
herewith send you, by our brother, Sam'l King. Were the
j sum equal to our wishes, it would be adequate to your
! merit ; but as our members consist chiefly of men in a
| mechanical department, who arc in but a middling state of
life, we can only by this little effort discover our disposition
and readiness to exert the utmost of our abilities for the
assistance and relief of those to whom we owe so much.
Suffer us, gentlemen, upon this occasion, to return you our
most unfeigned thanks for those important services you have
rendered the Province and continent, in which, under the
smiles of Heaven, we have so long enjoyed the blessings of
a happy constitution, now invaded and broken in upon by
a cruel exertion of the most unrighteous power. On your
continued firmness, prudence and wisdom, we place much
dependence ; on which, with the united assistance of Amer-
ica, w r e ground our hopes of a restoration of justice and

168 Reply to the Union Club.

peace. That the great Overruler of all things may take
you, with this devoted country, into his gracious protection,
and grant those happy fruits may be the consequence of
that ever memorable unanimity which subsists in America, I
is the earnest prayer of,

Gentlemen, your most assured friends and sympathizing
brethren,

Joseph Sprague.
Joseph Hiller.

To the Committee for receiving Donations for the poor inhabitants
of Boston.

REPLY to the union club.

r < Boston. 16th December, 1774.

Gentlemen,

I am directed by the Committee of the Town of Bos-
ton, appointed to receive and distribute the donations that
are made for the relief and employment of such as are, or
may become sufferers by means of the Boston Port Bill, to
return their sincere thanks to the members of the Union
Club, in the Town of Salem, for the generous contribution
they made, and transmitted by their worthy brother, Mr.
Samuel King. It is an unspeakable consolation to the in-
habitants of this devoted Town, that amidst the distress
designed to have been brought upon them by an inhuman,
as well as arbitrary Ministers, there are many whose hearts
and hands are open for their relief. You, gentlemen, are
among the happy number of those, of whom it is said, the
blessing of him that is ready to perish hath come upon us,
and through your liberality the widow's heart to sing for

Our friends have enabled us to bear up under oppression,
to the astonishment of our enemies. May Heaven reward
our kind benefactors ten-fold ; and grant to us wisdom and
fortitude, that during this hard conflict we may behave as
becomes those who are called to struggle in so glorious a
cause ; and, by our patience and perseverance, at length
frustrate the designs of our country's inveterate foes.
You may rely upon it that your donation will be applied

Reply to Londonderry. $\$

by the Committee to the benevolent purpose for which you
intended it.

Be assured that I am, in truth and sincerity, your friend
and humble servant,

Sam'l Adams.

To the Union Club at Salem.

REPLY TO LONDONDERRY.

Boston, Dec. 8th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

The kindness and sympathy manifested to this truly
distressed Town, by our worthy brethren in the two Par-
ishes of Londonderry, in a generous donation received this
day by the hands of Capt. Robert Moore and Ensign James
McGregor, to the amount of forty-five pounds, eleven shil-
lings and 10rf., demands our sincere gratitude. It ani-
| mates us to persevere, (though under the iron rod of
oppression,) and to stand firm for the preservation of our
rights ; those rights which God and nature has given us,
and which it is our duty to maintain and defend at the risk
of life and all that we hold dear. There is nothing but
our firmness that can protect us against the arbitrary meas-
ures adopted by the present administration ; and with the
kind assistance of our brethren in this and the other Col-
onies, we trust that we shall be able to baffle their iniqui-
tous plan, and hope that Being who superintends the
universe, who often takes the wise in their own craftiness
and renders their schemes abortive, may interpose in our
behalf, and bring great good out of the evil intended us by
our inveterate foes. The views of administration are too
obvious to need any comment ; therefore it must depend
upon our virtue to save ourselves, by withholding all com-
munication with our parent state, till our grievances are
redressed.

We need not inform you of the distress the inhabitants
of this once flourishing Town are reduced to ; there are
thousands that have spent and are spending the little they
4th s. — vol. iv. 22

170 Reply to Cranston.

have earned by hard industry. The gentlemen who kindly
tendered us your donation, by our desire, have examined
our books in order to inform themselves in what manner jj
we apply the several donations received from our sympa- I
thizing brethren; and we also herewith inclose you a
printed copy of our proceedings, which we hope will be I
acceptable. We can add nothing further, except present- j
ing our best regards, and are with much esteem,

Your friends and humble servants,

Trk-cr-v A-\ T T?r>v $ In behalf of the Com-
J UJrliN I± V ±,K 1 , j m ittee of Donations.

To the Selectmen of the East and West Parishes of Londonderry.

REPLY TO CRANSTON.

~ Boston, December 8th, 1774.

Gentlemen,

By the hands of Messrs. Christopher Lippett and

Nicholas Sheldon, Jr., the Committee of Donations have

received your acceptable and kind present of four oxen, for

the relief and benefit of the distressed sufferers in this

Town, occasioned by the Act of Parliament for shutting up

the Port of Boston.

We esteem it a great smile of Providence, and desire

thankfully to acknowledge it as such, that our friends and

brethren in this and the neighboring Provinces, have shown

their truly benevolent and generous dispositions towards us,

in the supplies they are from time to time sending in, for

our comfort and support, among which, are the generous

inhabitants of Cranston, in Rhode Island ; to whom the

Committee, in behalf of the Town, return their sincere

and hearty thanks, and are, with great respect, their assured

friends and obliged humble servants,

T/-\tttvt Qr»T -r^-iT- ( Per order of the Com-
JOHN OOLEY,| mitteeofDonations .

By the inclosed you will see the practice of the Commit-
tee in disposing of the donations they receive, which may
be a satisfaction to you.

To the Selectmen of the Town of Cranston, in Rhode Island.

Letter from New York. 171

LETTER FROM NEW YORK.

New York, December 9th, 1774.
Sir,

Yesterday I received one hundred pounds, New York
currency, equal to two hundred and fifty dollars, from
William P. Smith, Esq., desiring me to remit it to Boston,
hy hill of exchange or otherwise, as I shall think best,
acquainting you or any gentleman of the Committee of
Correspondence there, by letter, that I had done so, and that
the money is a donation from the inhabitants of Elizabeth-
town and Newark, in New Jersey, for assistance of their
suffering countrymen in that Town.

I have made all the inquiry I can, both yesterday and
to-day, but cannot meet with a bill on Boston. I therefore
request that your Committee draw on me for that sum, and
their bill shall be paid on sight, or direct me to remit the
money in a bill of exchange on London, which I can now
procure at seventy per cent, exchange, or to dispose of it
any other way they may think best.

I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

P. V. B. Livingston.
To Thomas Cushing, Esq., Boston.

LETTER FROM MEDFIELD.

Medfield, December 12th, 1774.

Sir,

When a number of the inhabitants of the Town of
Medfield, lately waited on you with a donation in wood and
provisions for the relief of your suffering poor, under your
present burthens and oppressions, you applied to me, as one
of the Committee of Correspondence for said Town, to
furnish you with the names of those who were assisting
therein ; and I encouraged you with a compliance with
your request — but upon further consideration and inquiry,
find it attended with more difficulty than I supposed, the

172 Reply to Medfield.

greater part of the inhabitants of the Town being aiding
and assisting in it, some in one part and some in another.

I hope this will be accepted as a sufficient apology for
my non-compliance, as it is next to impossible to collect
every name.

I am, Sir, your humble servant,

Daniel Perry.
To Mr. James Richardson, in Boston.

REPLY TO MEDFIELD.

Boston, Dec. 20th, 1774.

To Mr. Daniel Perry.

Sir,

The tenderest regards manifested to this distressed
Town, by the worthy inhabitants of Medfield, demand our
sincerest gratitude. And permit us, in their behalf, to re-
turn you our grateful acknowledgments for the same. Be
assured the liberality of our worthy brethren, in this and
the other Colonies, animates us to stand firm in the glori-
ous cause, and determines us to risk even life itself; though
without their assistance we must have inevitably sunk
under our burthens, and become a prey to as villainous a
set of men as now are on this habitable globe. Being sur-
rounded with ships, and our Town filled with troops, and
we enduring every indignity, and suffering the greatest pov-
erty, yet trusting that our cause is righteous, we submit it
to that Being who governs the world with infinite wisdom
and goodness, to extricate us in his own due time ; but it
must depend upon our virtue and a firm reliance on Him
for support. The harmony in the several Towns in this
Province, and the remarkable unanimity in the Colonies,
will disappoint our inveterate foes, and must render their
wicked schemes abortive ; therefore let us with one voice
cultivate that friendship, and firmly maintain those rights
and privileges, which God and nature has given us. Our
enemies are trying every art to sow the seeds of dissension
in the several Towns, by associations, &c, but let us guard
against them and watch their motions, and, by every pru-

Letter from Amelia and Dinwiddle. 173

lent and justifiable method, baffle their weak attempts. We
should be extremely well pleased, if any of the worthy
nhabitants of Medfield are coming to Boston, that they
vould examine our books, and satisfy themselves with
•espect to our application of the several donations received
rom our kind brethren on this continent, which are open
;o the inspection of the whole world, and hope will meet
vith their approbation.

We herewith inclose you a copy of our proceedings,
md are, with the greatest esteem, your friends and humble
servants,

Txrn 4vrpv Tt? J In behalf of the Com-
JiNU. AVLK1, JK., mittee of Donations.

LETTER FROM AMELIA AND DINWIDDIE.

Virginia, December 16th, 1774.

jrENTLEMEN,

The spirited conduct which the people of Boston have
maintained, in a time of oppression, and their great per-
severance in the cause of American liberty, has justly
entitled them to the assistance of their fellow-subjects in
:he other Colonies. Actuated by this principle, the inhab-
itants of Amelia and Dinwiddie Counties, have sent them
a small contribution of grain, to alleviate, in some degree,
the sufferings which an exclusion of commerce and want
f employment have occasioned among your laboring peo-
le. Sensible of the confidence reposed in you by your
country, and uninformed of any particular Committee to
whom we could address this donation, we have taken the
liberty to desire you would order it into such a channel as
that it may be productive of the end proposed.

We are, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your most
obedient servants,

John Tabb, of Amelia.

KOB'T BOLUNG, > DinwMie

Jno. Bannister, )
To Sam. and Jno. Adams, Esqrs. at Boston.

174 Reply to Amelia and Dinwiddle.

REPLY TO AMELIA AND DINWIDDIE.

To Messrs. Jno. Tabb, Robt. Boiling, and Jno. Bannister, at Amelia
and Dinwiddie, in Virginia.

Boston, February 1th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

I duly received your letter of the 16th December, I
1774, directed to Mr. Jno. Adams, and myself, acquainting
us of a donation made to the sufferers in this Town by the
Boston Port Bill, and desiring us to order it into such a
channel as that it may be productive of the end proposed.
I have accordingly laid your letter before a Committee
appointed by the Town to receive and distribute donations
made for that benevolent purpose, and am now, in their |
name, to thank you for the care you have taken, and the
gentlemen of Amelia and Dinwiddle Counties, for their [
generous donations, assuring them that it shall be applied I
for the benefit of those sufferers, agreeable to their design. 1
It affords great satisfaction to the Committee, to have 1
your testimony that the spirited conduct which the people j
of Boston have maintained in a time of oppression, and [
their great perseverance in the cause of American liberty, !
has entitled them to the assistance of their fellow-subjects i
in the other Colonies. While the virtuous tradesmen and [1
others in this Town are struggling under the hand of tyr-
anny for their adherence to so great a cause, our friends
in all the other Colonies have shown an equal attachment
to the common liberty, by their liberal contributions to
alleviate their sufferings. Thus united and resolved to aid
each other, may not the Colonies indulge a prospect that,
under the influence of divine Providence, the plans of a
corrupt and infatuated British Administration to enslave
them, will soon be defeated, and that the restoration and
establishment of the liberties of America may be the happy
fruits of all our sufferings, is the ardent wish of the Com-
mittee, in whose behalf I subscribe,

Gentlemen, your affectionate friend, and obliged humble
servant,

Sam'l Adams.

Letter from New Brunswick N. J. 1 75

LETTER FROM NEW BRUNSWICK, N. J.

>, Providence, December 16th, 1774.

xENTLEMTA,

With the letter inclosed, we Teccived a bill of lading
or two barrels rye flour ; eight barrels wheat ditto ; two
>arrels pork ; one tierce of wheat, quantity six bushels ;
ne tierce and two barrels, quantity fourteen bushels corn ;
71 bushels rye ; sent as a donation from the County of
Middlesex, in New Jersey. We have taken care to have
he goods stored, and now wait your orders for the further
lisposal of them. If there is any of the articles that you
hoose should be transported to I3oston, we will endeavor
o forward them on the easiest terms we can, and what you
nay think best to be sold here for cash, shall be negotiated
,s you may order. Wishing you to persevere in the good
ause in which you are assigned so hard a lot, we are your
iiends. Signed per order of the Committee of Correspond-
nce of the Town of Providence,

James Angell.

Po the Committee for receiving Donations for the Town of Boston.

Neiv Brunswick, Nov. loth, 1774.

JENTLEMEN,

Here inclosed is a bill lading for sundry articles,
ifhiefly the donation of the County of Middlesex, in New
Mersey, for the use of the sufferers in Boston, which I hope
kill arrive safe to hand, and as there is some money in my
kand, and more expected, please to let me know what will
pe most beneficial ; whether cash, rye, flour, or any other
trticle that may be purchased here, and if it may be con-
venient to ship it to Providence, which we can readily do,
is we have two sloops trading from this place to Newport,
ind what directions you give shall be cheerfully complied
ivith by,

Your very humble servant,

James Neilson.

To the Honorable Committee for the Sufferers in Boston, or to
heir Attorney in Providence.

176 Replies to New Brunswick.

REPLIES TO NEW BRUNSWICK.

Boston, December 21, 1774.
Sir,

Your agreeable favor of 16th instant, inclosing one
of the 15th ult, from Mr. James Neilson, of New Bruns-
wick, came to hand the last evening. We observe, with
gratitude, the generous donation from our worthy brethren
of New Brunswick, as also the kind part you have under-
taken respecting the same. We could wish to have re-
ceived the provisions themselves ; but as we apprehend the
transportation by water may now be difficult and hazardous,
if not impracticable, and the charges, whether by land or
water, very considerable, it is the opinion of the Committee
that the donation should be sold at Providence, to the best
advantage, and the cash sent per some good opportunity.
Your very friendly offer in this way to afford us your fur-
ther assistance respecting this matter, lays us under addi-
tional obligation.

We hope that by the continued favor of our God, we
shall be enabled still to conduct in such manner as shall
in the issue secure the just rights and liberties, not only of
this greatly distressed and injured Town and Province, but
also of all North America.

We are, with great respect, Sir, your much obliged
friends and servants,

TWi7-tt\ T-r>T7iTriT>TT7c ( Per order of the Com-
J^AVIJJ J-L-b-tKll^, | mittee of Donations.

To Mr. James Angell, at Providence.

Boston, December 21, 1774.
Sir,

Last evening the Committee of Donations received a
letter from Mr. James Angell, of Providence, dated the j
16th instant, inclosing your agreeable favor of New Bruns-
wick, 15th ult. He has received two barrels rye flour,
eight barrels wheat flour, two barrels pork, one tierce,
quantity six bushels, and one tierce and two barrels, quan-
tity fourteen bushels corn, and four hundred and seventy-
one bushels rye, (as per his letter,) the seasonable and

Letter from New York. 177

generous donation of the patriotic inhabitants of Middlesex
County, &c., in New Jersey.

Yon will please to present the grateful acknowledg-
ments of this Committee, in behalf of this much injured
and greatly oppressed people, for this instance of their
Christian sympathy and affection. And, as to what remains
in your hand, and what you further expect, of which you
kindly inform us in your letter, perhaps, as you suggest,
it may be as well to forward it in cash, as in anything else,
the season being so far advanced. However, we shall leave
it with our kind benefactors to act in this matter as shall
be most convenient and agreeable to them.

This Committee, considering the risk and difficulty, as
well as expense, of transporting from Providence the above
said donation, especially at this time of year, have desired
our worthy brethren at Providence to sell the same to the
best advantage and forward the money to us per some good
opportunity. To this purpose we now write them.

If our brethren of New Brunswick should think it best
to send the remainder in provisions, would it not be as con-
venient to forward it to New York, as to Providence, from
whence (i. e. New York) it maybe full as easy to transport
to Boston, via Salem, as from Providence.

We have nothing of a public nature to communicate,
save that a gentleman of this Town has received a letter,
dated Bristol, October 22d, wherein the writer, who had
had a long conference with Lord Clare, says, that by a steady,
manly, firm conduct in the Colonies united, we should most
assuredly succeed to our wish.

We are, with great respect. Sir, your affectionate and
very obliged friend and fellow-countryman,

DAVTn Tfvt^-RTT-c j Per order of the Com-
A \ ID Jtl^Kl±,b,| mittee of Dona tions.

To James Neilson, Esq., at New Brunswick, New Jersey.

LETTER FROM NEW YORK.

V New York, Dec. 16th, 1174.

(jrEXTLEMEN,

W r e have now to advise that a few months since we
received, in company with Philip Livingston, Esq., three
4th s. — vol. iv. 23

178 Letter from New York.

hundred and seventy-five tierces of rice, from our friend
Mr. Levinus Ciarkson, of Charleston, South Carolina, 1 for
sales on account of the poor at Boston. This quantity we
have finished the sales of, and the whole will soon fall due,
so that we shall be glad of your instructions for applying
the proceeds, which it was judged might be ordered in flour
from this.

By the schooner Chester, Henry Hicker, master, who
arrived a few days since, we received the further quantity
of one hundred and three tierces, addressed to ourselves by

1 The intelligence of the passage of the Boston Port Bill was received in
Charleston, South Carolina, on the 3Jst of May, by a packet from Philadel-
phia ; and excited general indignation. — Essex Gazette, June 28. On the 13th
of June, the Charleston Committee resolved to call a meeting of the inhab-
itants of the whole Province, to take place on the 5th of July, and "to write to
leading men in every part of the country, acquainting them with the present state
of America" and requesting them to send deputies to this meeting. — Boston
Gazette, July 4. Meantime a subscription was opened for the relief of Boston in
the manner indicated in the following public notice : —

Charleston, S. C , June 24, 1774.
Many generous and charitable persons in this Colony, being desirous to send, and
we the Subscribers having been requested to receive donations for the relief of our
distressed brethren of Boston, now suffering tor the coamon cause of America, under
the late most cruel, arbitrary and oppressive Act of the British Parliament, for the
shutting up of that Port— in order that so laudable, and at the same time necessary a
mark of our real sympathy and union with our sister Colonies, may not appear to have
the least slight shown to it : Give this public notice, that whatever shall be sent to us,
or either of us, for that purpose, shall be faithfully, and as expeditiously as possible,
forwarded to the direction of gentlemen of known probity, public spirit, and honor in I
Boston, for the benefit of such poor persons, whose unfortunate circumstances, occa-
sioned by the operation of that unconstitutional Act, may be thought to stand in most 1
need of immediate assistance.

Daniel Horry. Paul Trapier.

James Parsons William Elliott,
William Williamson. of Beaufort,

Miles Brewton. John Neufville.

Levinus Clarkson. Charles Elliott.

Thomas Lynch. Charles Pinckney.

Thomas Ferguson. Christ. Gadsden.

N. B — Any rice that shall be sent to Mr. Gadsden's wharf, for the above purpose,
shall be there landed, shipped, and (if occasion) stored without a farthing's charge.

The Essex Gazette of July 19, has the following paragraph, dated Charleston,
June 27 : — " A sloop is now loaded, at Mr. Gadsden's wharf, and ready to clear
out with rice, being a part of the benevolent contribution of the inhabitants of
this Colony, for the immediate relief of those poor of Boston, for having exerted
themselves in defence of the constitutional rights of America. Subscriptions
and collections are also making in different parts of the country, for the same
purpose, from whence it may be seen, whether we will desert any sister Colony
in distress." A letter dated Charleston, June 30, states : " The inhabitants of
Boston are cruelly treated. The people here pity and feel greatly for them.
Subscriptions are open, and large donations are made every day for their relief.
A sloop sailed yesterday for Salem, with 20 barrels of pork, besides a consider-
able sum in specie, and it is expected they will be able to collect the value of

Letter from New York. 171)

Roger Smith, Esq., for the same benevolent purpose, of
which we shall dispose on the best terms in our power, and
transmit you sales of tho whole when completed. We
shall wish to receive your instructions as soon as convenient,
and are, respectfully,

Gentlemen, your most obedient servants,

('has. McEvers & Co.

To Jno. Howe, and Jno. Hancock, Esqrs., at Boston.

one thousand barrels of rice. A gentlemen of this Province, now in England,
wrote to his correspondent here to give not less than fifty pounds sterling, but if

he thought it proper, to give as far as five hundred pounds." (A cordial this, for
the industrious poor.)

The Boston Gazette of July 25, 1774, contains the " Resolutions unanimously
entered into by the inhabitants of South Carolina, at a general meeting held at
Charleston, in the said Colony, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the (!th,
7th, and ^th days of July, 1774." They occupy over a column, and state that
the Acts of the British Parliament, "though levelled immediately at the people
of Boston, very manifestly and glaringly show, if the inhabitants of that Town
are intimidated into a mean submission to said Acts, that the like are designed
for all the Colonies : "' "That not only the dictates of humanity, but the sound-
est principles of true policy and self preservation, make it absolutely necessary,
for the inhabitants of all the Colonies in America, to assist and support the peo-
ple of Boston, by all lawful ways in their power : " and " that, while the oppres-
sive Acts relative to Boston are enforced, we will cheerfully, from time to time,
contribute towards the relief of such poor persons there, whose unfortunate
circumstances, occasioned by the operations of those Acts, may be thought to
stand in need of most assistance."

The Boston Gazette of the 15th of August, contains about two columns of "fur-
ther particulars" relative to this meeting, copied from a South Carolina journal.
It is here stated, that it was " the largest body of the most, respectable inhabitants
that had been ever seen together upon any public occasion," in Charleston, "or
perhaps any whore in America : " that it was determined to transmit its resolu-
tions "to every Colony on this continent, from Canada to West Florida, accom-
panied with a letter to each, respectively, signed by the Chairman, inviting them
to unite with us." This relation closes in the following language : " Be com-
forted, ye oppressed Bostonians ! and exult, ye northern votaries of liberty! that
the sacred rays of freedom, which used to beam from you on us, are now rever-
berated, with double efficacy, back upon yourselves, from your weaker sister,
Carolina, who stands foremost in a resolution to sacrifice her all, in your defence.
And tremble, minions of slavery, — a blow will soon be struck, if you urge us
to that extremity, which will convince you, that one soul animates three mil-
lions of brave Americans, though extended over a long tract of two thousand
miles. Ye vainly thought we were a rope of sand, but you will find, unless we
are put on the same footing with Englishmen, before nine months, millions of
people who depend on America for their daily bread, will curse you with their
dying groans."

The South Carolina Provincial Congress, which met at Charleston, on the
11th of January, 177o, and of which Charles Pinckncy was President, passed the
following resolution: " Resolved, That it be strongly recommended to the Paro-
chial and District Committees, to use their utmost endeavors to obtain liberal
donations for the relief of the suffering people in the Town of Boston and Colony
of Massachusetts Bay. And that all such donations as may be collected from
time to time, be transmitted to the General Committee in Charleston." — En.

180 Reply to New York.

REPLY TO NEW YORK.

Boston, 1th February, 1775.
Philip Livingston, Esq., and Messrs. C. McEvers fy Co. (New York.)

Gentlemen,

Your esteemed favors of 16th December, addressed to
John Hancock and John Howe, Esqrs., also your favor
30th ultimo, directed to John Howe, Esq., have been com-
municated to the Committee appointed by the Town of
Boston to receive Donations for the relief and employment |
of the unhappy sufferers by the Port Bill, who have di-
rected us to answer them.

We observe by your favor 16th December, that you had
completed the sales three hundred and seventy-five tierces
rice, which you sometime since received from our worthy,
sympathizing brethren at Charleston, South Carolina, the
net proceeds to be applied for the support, &c, of the dis-
tressed, industrious tradesmen and others in this Town, and
that you had more lately received from the same place, one
hundred and three tierces rice, the net proceeds thereof to
be applied to the like benevolent purposes.

We should be much obliged, gentlemen, if you would favor
us with an account of what monies you may have in hand
from the sales of the rice, in order that the Committee may
be enabled to draw for the same, provided they can find
purchasers for their bills.

We are also to desire you would let us know the value
with you of sterling bills on London, and would beg leave
to ask whether you think it practicable to invest the whole
monies in heavy guineas and hard dollars, so that it might
be brought here by land carriage without loss. Any bills
that you have already or may hereafter procure on Boston,
the Committee will gladly receive.

We are to request your answer, as soon as may be con-
venient, which when we receive shall communicate to the
Committee, and acquaint you in due time with their deter-
minations.

We have it, gentlemen, in particular charge from the
Committee, to return you their hearty thanks for the kind

Letter from Chesterfield County. 181

and friendly part you have taken in this affair, which we
now do with great pleasure, and are, very respectfully,

Gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servants,

John Brown, > Two of the Comniit-
Daniel Waldo, ) tee of Donations.

LETTER FROM CHESTERFIELD COUNTY.

Virginia. Chesterfield County, 11th Dec, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Agreeable to a Resolution entered into by the Dele-
gates of this Colony in August last, subscriptions have been
made for the unhappy inhabitants of Boston, whose case
we look upon as our own, and cannot enough admire their
fortitude under such cruel oppression as they, for their own
and the common cause of America, have and are yet suffer-
ing. We now send to your address the donation of our
constituents, which we make no doubt you will have prop-
erly disposed of to such as are objects of charity. It would
have been sent sooner, but we could not procure a vessel
until grain for the same purpose was brought in from
Counties more remote, as what w r as subscribed in this
County was not sufficient for a load ; indeed our county
grain is not yet all brought in, so that we expect to send it
with what is not yet brought down from the upper people ;
but as we have not all the subscription papers in our
possession, we cannot ascertain how much is left, but judge
about two hundred bushels.

The bill of lading inclosed is for 1,436£ bushels, but of
that there is 210 bushels of wheat and 12 J of corn, deliv-
ered in our granary by the people of Cumberland, and by
mistake a receipt taken and bills of lading given as from
Chesterfield. There was but little money subscribed ; what
was we have paid the captain in part for his freight. The
captain has said in his bill of lading that the whole freight
is here paid, but it is not so, and you are desired to sell as
much of the grain as will pay the balance. Inclosed you

182 Reply to Chesterfield County.

have an account of what is paid. We are told the freight
is rather high. As we were not accustomed to that branch
of business, we left it to Mr. John Tabb, to make the agree-
ment with the owner of the vessel, and he agreed to give
one shilling this currency per bushel. We understand
there is about 3,500 bushels in this vessel from the several
Counties nigh this. We are desired to inform you that
there is on board 192 J bushels of wheat, a donation from
the people of Goochland County, the freight of which is
paid here. We natter ourselves you will excuse the trouble
we give you on this occasion. It is a tribute you must pay
to the high confidence your countrymen have placed in you,
by which your characters are made known to us.

We are, Gentlemen, with the greatest esteem, your
obedient, humble servants,

Archibald Cary.
Benja. Watkins.

To the Honorable Thomas Gushing, Esq., Jno. Adams, Esq., Mr.
Samuel Adams and Robert Treat Paine, Esqs., Boston.

REPLY TO CHESTERFIELD COUNTY.

February 1, 1775.

Messrs. Benja. Watkins and Archibald Cary, Chesterfield County,
Virginia.

Gentlemen,

Capt. Tompkins duly delivered your letter, dated Vir-
ginia, Chesterfield County, Dec. 1774, directed to Mr.
dishing, Mr. John Adams, Mr. Paine and myself, with a
bill of lading inclosed for 1,054 bushels of wheat, 376£
bushels corn, and Hye bushels peas, of which 210 bushels
wheat, and 12J corn we perceive comes from the people of
Cumberland. As this Town have appointed a Committee
to receive and distribute donations made for the relief and
employment of the sufferers by the Boston Port Bill, for
which charitable purpose these donations of your constitu-
ents are appropriated, your letter and the bill of lading are
assigned to them, and in their name I am now to desire you
to accept of their grateful acknowledgments for the benev-

Reply to Chatham. 1 83

olent part you have taken, and also to make their returns
of gratitude to the worthy gentlemen of Chesterfield and
Cumberland County, for the very generous assistance they
have afforded for the relief of the inhabitants of Boston,
yet suffering, as you express it, under cruel oppression for
the common cause of America. It is a sense of the dignity
of the cause which animates them to suffer with that forti-
tude which you are pleased candidly to attribute to them ;
and while they are thus encouraged and supported by the
sister Colonies, they will, by God's assistance, rather than
injure or stain that righteous cause, endure the conflict to
the utmost.

The Committee have received 192 £ bushels of wheat,
mentioned in your letter, as a donation from the people of
Goochland County. You will greatly oblige the Committee
if you will return their hearty thanks to their generous
friends in that County.

I am, with truth and sincerity, Gentlemen, your respect-
ful friend and humble servant,

Sam'l Adams.

REPLY TO CHATHAM.

Boston, December 11th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Sensible of the many obligations that we are under for
the many acts of kindness received from our kind and
sympathizing brethren in Connecticut, and in particular
for the kind donation received from our worthy brethren
in Chatham, of ten sheep, which we esteem as expres-
sive of the most endearing friendship and tender regard,
and it is with pleasure we now take this agreeable oppor-
tunity of making some grateful return, which, though
inadequate to so great kindness, yet it is all in our power,
but hope the Parent of nature and of every good, will
reward you.

Our situation is truly distressing ; families that have
lived in the greatest affluence are now reduced to the most

184 Letter from Henrico County.

disagreeable circumstances ; and was it not for the sympa-
thy manifested by our worthy brethren in the other Colo-
nies, we must have fallen a prey to a most cruel and
arbitrary ministry ; but, through God's goodness, the hearts
of our brethren are open, which animates us to persevere,
though under the severest trials, and makes us determined j
to risk even life itself rather than give up our rights and
privileges.

We should have esteemed it as a great pleasure to have
seen the gentleman who brought us your kind donation, in
order that he might have seen our books, and the method
we take of relieving the necessities of our distressed inhab-
itants, which perhaps would have been satisfactory. How-
ever, we herewith inclose you a printed copy of our pro-
ceedings.

We are, Gentlemen, with the greatest esteem, your very
obliged friends and countrymen,

John Avery, Jijk., J S£?SSS5£Sr

To the Selectmen, to be communicated to the Committee of Corres-
pondence in Chatham, in Connecticut.

Per favor Major Champlin.

letter from henrico county.

Gentlemen,

As soon as [we] were informed of the unjustifiable
attack made on the liberties of our worthy brethren, the
Bostonians, the County of Henrico set about a subscription
for the relief of the poor of its inhabitants. Lest necessity
should prevent their giving their noble leaders such assist-
ance as is most sincerely and unanimously wished for by
every Virginian, therefore take the freedom to inclose you
bills of lading for three hundred twenty-nine and one half
bushels wheat, one hundred and thirty-five bushels corn,
and twenty-three barrels flour, which we wish safe to hand ;
and we doubt not your giving the necessary instructions

Reply to Henrico County. 1 85

to your Overseers to answer the intention of my con-
stituents.

I have the honor to he, Gentlemen, your most obedient
and very humble servant,

Richard Randolph.
Curls? Virginia^ Henrico County, December 19th, 1774.

REPLY TO HENRICO COUNTY.

Boston, February 1, 1775.
Richard Randolph, Esq., Virginia, Henrico Comity.

Sir,

Your letter of the 29th December last, directed to Mr.
Gushing, Mr. John Adams, Mr. Paine and myself, inclos-
ing bill of lading for three hundred twenty-nine and a half
bushels wheat, one hundred thirty-five bushels corn, and

enty-three barrels flour, was delivered to us by Capt.
ompkins, and we have laid it before the Committee of this
Town appointed to receive and distribute Donations made
for the relief and employment of the sufferers by the Port
Bill. I am, in the name of the Committee, to desire you to
return their hearty thanks to the worthy gentlemen of
Henrico County, who have so generously contributed for
that charitable purpose, and to assure them that their dona-
tions shall be applied so as duly to answer their benevolent
intention.

The Colony of Virginia made an early stand, by their
ever memorable Resolves in 1765, against the efforts of a
corrupt British Administration to enslave America, and has
ever distinguished herself by her exertions in support of
our common rights. The sister Colonies struggled separ-
ately, but the Minister himself has at length united them,
and they have lately uttered language that will be heard.
It is the fate of this Town to drink deep of the cup of
ministerial vengeance ; but while America bears them wit-
ness that they suffer in her cause, they glory in their suffer-
ings. Being thus supported by her liberality, they will
never ungratefully betray her rights. Tnheritiug the spirit
4th s. — vol. iv. 24

186 Letter from James River County.

of their virtuous ancestors, they will, after their example,
endure hardships, and confide in an all-gracious Provi-
dence. Having been born to be free, they will never dis-
grace themselves by a mean submission to the injurious
terms of slavery. These, Sir, I verily believe to be the
sentiments of our inhabitants, and if I am not mistaken,
such assistances are to be expected from them, as you
assure us are most sincerely and unanimously wished by
every Virginian.

I am, in the name of the Committee, Sir, your sincere
friend and fellow-countryman,

Sam'l Adams.

letter from james river county.

Gentlemen,

This will be delivered you by Capt. Eobert Tompkins,
in my schooner, the Dunmore, who brings you a load of
donation wheat, corn and flour from James River, for the
poor of your City. I refer you for particulars to the letters
he will deliver you from the several gentlemen who had the
management of the subscriptions for the different Counties
from which this supply comes. The charter party run for

twenty days here, but the gentlemen found so much

inconvenience in the collecting, that she has been detained
near two months. However, the affair being of so public
and very laudable a nature, I never thought of damage,
and hope it may be some incitement for dispatch with you.
The gentlemen were willing the Dunmore might discharge
at Salem, should there be any apprehension of her being
froze up at Boston. This may be thought but reasonable,
as, had she met with the dispatch expected here, she might
and would have been now on her inward passage. The
captain has orders on you for some freight, which could
not in time be so conveniently made up here, has other
monies to lay out in your country, rum, molasses, &c.
"Were it [not] thought too much, I should venture to recom-
mend Capt. Tompkins, being a stranger, to your notice and
advice, in laying out his money to the best advantage in such

latter from James River County. 181

of vour commodities as may at the time be most reasonable
with you. He has also a quantity of butter to dispose of,
which I hope may come to a saving market.

A report at this time prevails here, that men of war are
ordered to he stationed at New York, Pennsylvania, here,
and to the southward, to prevent our exports. I have for
some time expected such a measure, hut still hope our
intelligence is premature. You may depend the A'irginians
arc unanimous, steady and firm to the cause they have
emharked in, and will struggle hard for the prize now con-
tending for. 1 have this very day heard, that in that tract
of Virginia called the Northern Neck, and which lies
betwixt Rappahannock and Potomack rivers, they have
lately raised one thousand volunteers, as fine fellows and
good woodsmen as any on our continent, who have put
themselves under the command of Col. George "Washing-
ton, a brave and experienced officer, whom it is said, has
undertaken the command of them, and that they are soon
to march for your place. Governor Eadon, of Maryland,
is just arrived with his lady, at Annapolis, from London,
and it seems has brought in some tea with him, I presume
for his own use, but that the inhabitants will not let him
land it. All this, if true, you will soon have in the papers,
probably before this reaches. Our governor has at last
concluded a peace with the several nations of Indians on
our frontiers, and brought in hostages. The Indians in the
treaty have ceded as much of their lands as will sell, to
reimburse the expenses of the war, thought to be above
£100,000. Our assembly stands prorogued to the 6th of
February, and will not meet sooner, unless anything from
beyond the water should occasion it. Some ships lately
arrived here, having brought in goods, they are all ordered
to be stored agreeable to association, and a ship from Lon-
don who had only two half chests of hyson tea on board,
was sent back again to England, in ballast, and the tea
thrown into York river.

I am, with respect, Gentlemen, your most obedient and
very humble servant, William Black.

To the Honorable Thomas Cushing, Esq., Messrs. Adams's and
Paine, in Boston.

Dec. 22(/, 17[74,] James Riirr, Virginia.

Per the Dunmore, Capt. Robt. Tompkins.

188 Reply to James River County.

REPLY TO JAMES RIVER COUNTY.

To Mr. Wm. Black, in James River, Virginia.

Sir,

Your letter of the 24th December last to Mr. Gushing
and others, by Capt. Tompkins, of the schooner Dunmore,
in which was brought several valuable donations from our
friends in Virginia, to the sufferers in this Town by the
Port Bill, was communicated to the Committee appointed
to receive such donations, and by their direction I am to
acquaint you that they cheerfully consented, at your request,
that the schooner should be discharged at Salem, thinking
themselves under obligation to promote her dispatch, more
especially as there was unexpected delay in her loading,
and you have very generously declined receiving demur-
rage.

We have repeatedly had abundant evidence of the firm-
ness of our brethren of Virginia in the American cause,
and have reason to confide in them that they will struggle
hard for the prize now contending for.

I am desired by the Committee to acquaint you that a
ship has lately sailed from this place bound to James River,
in Virginia ; the master's name is Crowd Hatch. When
he was building his ship, a proposal was made to him by
some of the Committee, to employ the tradesmen of this
Town, for which he should receive a recompense by a dis-
count of five per cent on their several bills, but he declined
to accept of the proposal. This, you are sensible, would
have been the means of his employing our sufferers at their
usual rates, and at the same time as cheap to him as if he
had got his vessel built by more ordinary workmen from
the country. There is also another circumstance which I
must relate to you. Capt. Hatch proposed that the Com-
mittee should employ our smith, in making anchors for his
vessel, at a price by which they could get nothing but their
labor for their pains, because he could purchase cast an-
chors imported here, for the same price, which was refused.
At this he was very angry, and (perhaps in a gust of pas-
sion) declared in the hearing of several persons of credit,
that he was used ill, threatening repeatedly that he would

Reply to North Kingston* L89

stop nil the donations he could, and that no more should
come from the place where he was going to, meaning
Virginia. These lads the Committee thought it neces-
sary to communicate to you, and to beg thr favor of you
to use your influence that (apt. Hatch may not have it in
his power, (if he should be disposed,) to traduce the Com-
mittee and injure the sufferers in this Town, for whose
relief our friends in Virginia have so generously contrib-
uted.

1 am, in the name of the Committee, Sir, your obliged
{friend and humble servant,

Sam'l Adams.

REPLY TO NORTH KINGSTON.

Boston, December 21th, 1774.
Gentlemen,

We have once and again had occasions to acknowledge

the receipt of very kind and seasonable donations, for the
Relief and support of the sufferers in this Town, by means
bf the Boston Port Bill, from our sympathizing and chari-
table brethren in the patriotic Colony of Rhode Island, as
well as elsewhere. And we have now to acknowledge the
pesh receipt of a like favor, that is to say, of seventy sheep,
from a number of our worthy countrymen, in North Kings-
ton, yesterday.

You will please to return the sincere thanks of the Com-
mittee of Donations, in behalf of this much injured and
greatly oppressed Town, to our generous benefactors, to
whom we wish a plentiful reward from our most gracious
Mod, who has inclined your hearts thus to consider your
afflicted brethren, and who is able to multiply your seed
pown, and to increase the fruits of your righteousness, and
finally, to grant us the desire of our hearts, by delivering
Lis from the hands of our enemies. We are particularly

mliged to you. gentlemen, for your care and trouble in

landing the above donation to us.
Inclosed is an account, heretofore communicated to the

'ublic, of the general method observed by the Committee

190 Letter from WeUfleet.

in the distribution of the charities of our friends, which we!
hope may be satisfactory to them. A sovereign and all-
wise Providence has been pleased to appoint us our present I
lot. God is merciful and righteous, and we may not find
fault with his dispensations ; but we may complain of men
who have dealt unrighteously and cruelly with us. We
are commanded, in every thing to give thanks; these we J
would render to God, for all his kind interpositions and! 1
gracious appearances in our behalf, and who has hitherto
directed and assisted us, and to Him it is our duty to look!
for future help and direction, and further supplies.

We wish you prosperity, and are, Gentlemen, your most
obliged friends and fellow countrymen,

David Jeffries, j S^^gST

To Peter Phillips, Esq., Messrs. Charles Tillinghast and Ezekiel^
Gardner, at North Kingston, King's County, Rhode Island.

LETTER FROM WELL FLEET..

WeUfleet, December 29th, 1774.
Mr. Sharp — Sir,

We understanding you are one of the gentlemen that
was appointed to the service of such donations as should
be sent for the relief of the poor of the Town of Boston,
we have sent you, by the bearer, forty pounds lawful money,
which was obtained by subscription in Wellfleet, and as
soon as we have had our contributions, we shall send it the
first opportunity.

From your friends and well-wishers,

Elisha Cobb.

Joseph Higgins.
To Mr. Gibbens Sharp, in Boston.

LETTER FROM ISAAC VAN DAM.

Mr. John Hancock, or the Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston.
Sir,

Inclosed you will receive sales of a parcel corn, I
received by the schooner Sally, Capt. James Perkins, who

Letter from Isaac Van Dam. 11)1

belongs to Virginia and was bound to Boston, for the
relief of the distressed inhabitants of that Town, and by
meeting of frequent gales of wind was obliged to put into
this port, where 1 have sold the corn to the best advantage,
and now inclose you a bill of exchange drawn by Mr.
Sampson Mears, on Isaac Moses, of New York, at thirty
days' sight, for one hundred and seventy-one pounds, eight
shillings, New York currency. And as this amount was a
generous donation from Essex County, in Virginia, to those
people who have virtuously dared to oppose a wicked and
corrupt ministry, in their tyrannical acts of despotism, I
think myself happy in having this opportunity of doing
the business without charging a commission, or any other
expense attending it here.

Wishing them a speedy relief from this new Parliament,
and am, Sir, your most obedient servant,

Isaac Van Dam.

REPLY.

Boston, Feb. 28, 1775.

To Isaac Van Dam, Esq., at St. Eustatia.

Sir,

Your letter of the 30th December, addressed to John
Hancock, Esq., has been laid before the Committee ap-
pointed by this Town, to receive and distribute the dona-
tions made for the employment and relief of the sufferers
by the Act of Parliament, commonly called the Boston Port
Bill. I am directed by the Committee to return you their
hearty thanks for the care you have generously taken in
the disposal of a parcel of corn, (free of charge,) which
Was shipped for that charitable purpose, by our friends in
Essex County, in Virginia, on board the schooner Sally,
James Perkins, master, driven by stress of weather to St.
Eustatia. An account of sales of the corn was inclosed
in your letter, together with a bill of exchange drawn by
Mr. Sampson Mears on Mr. Isaac Moses of New York, for
one hundred seventy-one pounds, eight shillings, that cur-
rency, being the amount thereof.

The opinion you have formed of the inhabitants of this

192 Letter from Bristol.

Town, as having so virtuously dared to oppose a wickec
and corrupt ministry, in their tyrannical acts of despotism.!;
must needs be very flattering to them. The testimony of]
our friends so fully in our favor, more especially of those j
who are not immediately interested in the unhappy contest
between Britain and her Colonies, must strongly excite this
people to a perseverance in so righteous a cause.

Be pleased, Sir, to accept of due acknowledgments fori
your kind wishes for our speedy relief, and be assured that
I am, (in the name of the Committee,)

Your very obliged friend and humble servant,

Sam'l Adams.

LETTER FROM BRISTOL.

Rhode Island, Bristol, 30th December, 1774.
Gentlemen,

Agreeable to a vote of the Town of Bristol, appoint-
ing me to send you the money that should be raised in said
Town for the support of the distressed inhabitants of Bos-
ton, I now send you by Mr. Mumford, the small sum of
forty-seven pounds, seventeen shillings and six pence, law-
ful money, to be by you disposed of for the purpose afore-
said, at your discretion, which was all that could be at this
time collected. Should have been exceeding glad it had
been more ; but you may depend that all due care will be
taken in this Town, from time to time, to afford you that
relief your circumstances may require, and our abilities will
afford, to enable you to hold out in so just a cause against
the combination of all wicked and mischievous beings, from
the highest source of evil down to Lord North. That you
may be so enabled to hold out, and be finally victorious
over your and our enemies, shall be my constant care, by
all the industry in my power to contribute, as it will afford
me the greatest pleasure on earth.

I am, Gentlemen, your most humble servant,

William Bradford.

£47 17 5 . 6d.
To Sam'l Adams, Esq., and others, the Committee for receiving the
Donations for the Town of Boston.

Letter from Salem. 193

RE P L Y T O B III S T O L .

Boston, Jan. 2d, 1774.
Sir,

We are much obliged for your care in forwarding to the
Committee of Donations the generous subscriptions of our
worthy brethren of Bristol, for the support of the distressed
inhabitants of Boston, amounting to forty-seven pounds,
seventeen shillings, six pence, per Mr. Mumford. It shall
be applied agreeable to the intent of the benevolent donors.
Inclosed is a printed account of the general method ob-
served by the Committee in the distributions of the charities
of our friends, which we hope will prove satisfactory.

The Committee present their sincere thanks, in behalf of
the Town of Boston, for this instance of their kindness,
and are particularly obliged for their purpose to afford fur-
ther relief in time to come, should the case require it.
Our humble acknowledgments are due to God, w f ho has
raised up benefactors to this much abused and oppressed
Town. Under ail our darkness, some light hath been made
to arise.

We trust our cause, which indeed is a common cause,
and of the greatest importance to America, is a righteous
cause, and that God will maintain it. If he shall please
to grant us the wisdom and prudence, the firmness and help
and blessing we need, we shall put our enemies to shame,
and in due time have cause to rejoice in his great salvation.

We are, with great respect, Sir, your much obliged suf-
fering friends and fellow-countrymen,

D, -TTTT-. T-r'T-'T^-r. tt^o \ Per order of the Com-
A^ID JEFFRIES, mit ,

mittee of Donations
uted, and expressed great satisfaction in it, and doubt not]
he has satisfied you, and we look on this present as a j
token of it.

I am, Gentlemen, in the name and at the desire of the (
Committee, your hearty well-wisher,

Wm. Whitwell, One of the Committee.

To Messrs. Ephraim Heald, Francis Blood, David Stafford, SarrCl
Webster and John Cragin, Committee of Temple.

LETTER TO E. GERRY.

Boston, 12 January, 1775.
Sir,

Capt. Lindsey, from New York, informs the Commit-
tee that he left under your care four tons nail and bar iron,
and one pipe brandy, being part of the generous donation:
from our benevolent, sympathizing brethren of that city, for
the relief and employment of the sufferers in this Town,
by the operation of the Port Bill. We do now, by order
of the Committee, desire you would deliver the said iron;
and brandy, to Messrs. Edward Blan chard and Joseph
Henderson, truckmasters, with whom we have agreed to
bring the same to Town.

We are, very respectfully, Sir, your obedient, humble
servants,

John Brown, ) Two of the
Peter Boyer, ) Committee.

To Elbridge Gerry.

Letter from West Springfield. 203

LET TEE FROM WEST SPRINGFIELD.

West Springfield^ January 13th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

I am desired to inform you, in behalf of a number of
the inhabitants of "West Springfield, who, taking into con-
sideration the unhappy and distressed situation of the Town
of Boston, as suffering in the common cause, have collected
and sent twenty-five head of swine, as a token of their
affectionate regard to, and approbation of, the virtuous and
disinterested conduct of the said Town, the same to be
disposed of towards the relief of the suffering poor.

I am, in the behalf of said inhabitants, your very humble
md affectionate servant and fellow-sufferer,

Chauncy Brewer, Chairman.

To the Committee or Overseers of the Poor of Boston.

REPLY TO WEST SPRINGFIELD.

Boston, January 21st, 1775.

[Sir,

I am directed by the Committee of Donations to
(acknowledge your favor of the 13th instant, and to return
lour hearty thanks to the inhabitants of West Springfield,
|for their generous donation of twenty-three head of swine,
Ifor the relief of the suffering poor of this Town, five of
which, the gentlemen who had the care of them, disposed
of on the road, as thinking it more for the advantage of the
iTown, than to drive them in, and have paid the money
| they produced, viz. three pounds, 18/1, lawful money. The
j sympathy of our friends serves to animate us, and their
! liberality to support us, under our sufferings in the com-
mon cause ; and it gives us great pleasure to find that our
| conduct meets with their approbation.

The gentlemen who brought us your donation have had
Ian opportunity of examining our books, and we flatter our-
selves are satisfied with the falsity of the malicious reports

204 Letter from Salem.

which are spread abroad to our prejudice, by those who
are enemies to the liberties of America.

I am, with great respect, Sir, your most humble servant,

l [ ]

To Chauncy Breiver, Chairman of the Committee of Correspond-
ence for the Town of West Springfield.

LETTER FROM SALEM.

Salem, Jan. 13th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

"We send you by the hands of Mr. John Archer, an
addition of three pounds, nineteen shillings, which, with
the sum you received of Mr. John Andrews, makes ninety-
one pounds, which you will please to accept.

David Phippen.
Jno. Andrews.
Benja. Ward, Jun.

To the Committee of Donations.

letter from wells, me.

Wells, January 16, 1775.
Gentlemen,

Previous to the recommendation of the Provincial
Congress, a number of the inhabitants in the second parish
in Wells, made a small collection, which they send in
wood, (by the care of Capt. Eben'r Hovey,) judging that
may be an article as acceptable and useful as any other at
this season of the year, for the comfort of the needy and
afflicted under your care.

The above we only mention as a small token of that
deep affection we feel for our Capital, in their present dis-
tressed condition, on whose former open and friendly com-

1 The signature of this letter has been cut out of the volume.

Reply to Wells. 206

merce, we on this eastern shore more absolutely depended
for support than any other part of the Province. For your
sakes and for our own we prayerfully wait the kind inter-
positions of divine Providence, and the smiles of our gra-
cious King, for the redress of our general grievances, and
in particular, for the removal of the present obstructions to
our trade with the Town of Boston.

In the mean time, the patience and firmness with which
you endure so great affliction, gives us joy. May Christian
patience, prudence and fortitude be equal to every future
trial, and hasten the day, the most desired day of generous
liberty and righteous government.

Stephen Larribee, > „

T tit } Committee.

Jno. Mitchel, )

To the Committee of Donations for the Poor of the Town of Boston.

reply to wells.

Boston, February 8, 1775.
Gentlemen,

I am directed by the Committee of Donations, to
acknowledge the receipt of your affectionate letter, and
generous donation of twenty-six and three-fourths cords of
wood, by Capt. Eben'r Hovey, a necessary article, and very
acceptable at this season of the year ; more especially as
the call for it seems to be daily increasing amongst us.
We esteem it a great smile of Providence, and desire thank-
fully to acknowledge it as such, that our friends and breth-
ren in this and the neighboring Provinces, have shown such
a ready disposition to help us under our difficulties, and
we are much obliged to the inhabitants of the second par-
ish in Wells, in particular, and return them our most sin-
cere and hearty thanks, and rejoice to see that they arc not
only ready to sympathize with, but also willing to afford us
such relief for the comfort of the needy and afflicted under
our care.

The cause is common, and it gives us great pleasure to
hear that you are prayerfully waiting for the kind interpo-
sitions of divine Providence for your and our relief. We

206 Letter from Sandwich.

desire heartily to join with you herein, and hope that in due
time we shall happily reap the fruits thereof.

We are, with respect, Gentlemen, your sincere friends
and humble servants,

Jno. Soley, Per order.
To Messrs. Step^n Larribee and Jno. Mitchel, at Wells.

LETTER FROM SANDWICH.

Sandwich, Jan. 11th, 1775.
For Mr. SamH Adams.
Sir,

We send you by Capt. Tobey, the money contributed
by the Congregational societies in this Town, for the relief
of the sufferers by the Boston Port Bill, amounting to
£19 Is. 9d. lawful money, which please to give him a
receipt for. We shall only add that we wish our brethren
in Boston a speedy relief from the hand of oppression, and
that reward which their steady adherence in the cause of
liberty ought to insure them.

We subscribe ourselves, with much respect, Gentlemen,
your most humble servants,

Tn« "1STa t tt J In behalf of the Committee of Corres-
OV&. 1> I Hi, I pondence for the Town of Sandwich.

REPLY TO SANDWICH.

Boston, Feb. 21, 1775.
Sir,

Your letter of the 17th of January, written in behalf
of the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Sand-
wich, came duly to hand. Capt. Tobey, the bearer, was
kind enough to deliver to the Committee of this Town,
appointed to receive Donations for the relief and employ-
ment of the sufferers by the Boston Port Bill, a charitable
collection from the Congregational societies in Sandwich,

Letter from Cape Elizabeth. '207

amounting to nineteen pounds and three pence, for which
he has our Treasurer's receipt I am to desire you, in the
name of our Committee, to return their sincere thanks to
our worthy brethren, for the kindness they have shown to
those sufferers by so generous a contribution for their sup-
port under the cruel hand of oppression. It affords us
abundant satisfaction to have the testimony of such respect-
able bodies of men, that the inhabitants of this Town arc
not sufferers as evil doers, but for " their steady adherence
to the cause of liberty," and we cannot but persuade our-
selves that the Supreme Being approves our conduct, by
whose all powerful influence the British American conti-
nent hath been united, and thus far successful, in disap-
pointing the enemies of our common liberty, in their hopes,
that by reducing the people to want and hunger, they
should force tliem to yield to their unrighteous demands.

I am, Sir, in the name of the Committee, with sincere
good wishes, your friend and countryman,

Sam'l Adams.

To Joseph Nye, at Sandwich.

LETTER FROM CAPE ELIZABETH.

Cape Elizabeth, Jan. 18, 1775.

To the Committee of Correspondence.
Gentlemen,

This you will receive by Capt. Judah Dyer, by whom
this District have sent about forty-eight cords of wood, as
a small present to the poor sufferers at Boston. We shall
assist in relieving their wants as far as our ability will
admit, until that detestable Act for blocking up the harbor
of Boston is repealed. We pray God it may be soon re-
pealed.

We are, Gentlemen, your hearty friends in the cause of
liberty, by order of the (Committee of ( 'orrespondence,

David Strout, Clerk.

208 Letter to Warwick.

REPLY TO CAPE ELIZABETH.

February 1, 1775.

LETTER TO WARWICK.

Boston, 18 Jan. 1775.
Gentlemen,

I am directed by the Committee of Donations in this
Town, to acknowledge the receipt of five cattle per the
bearer, Mr. Greene, and to return our hearty thanks to the
generous subscribers in Warwick, for the relief of this
distressed Town, and we trust their liberal donations of our
friends in the Colony of Rhode Island, will be abundantly
rewarded, and we hope the stand we are now making
against an arbitrary and tyrannical ministry, will be to the
lasting benefit of North America.

I am, in behalf of the Committee, Gentlemen, your most
obedient servant,

B. Austin, Per order.

To Messrs. Sam'l Tillingtef, and Adam Gumstock, in Warwick.

Mr. David Strout, at Cape Elizabeth.
Sir,

The kind relief you have afforded our industrious 1 ! of
poor in your generous donation of forty-four and a half )| sin
cords wood, merit our grateful acknowledgments. Though i| in
grievously oppressed, and suffering the most severe trials by | pa:
a most cruel and arbitrary ministry, yet we are determined to J. 1 erf
stand firm, and hope that we shall be favored with a con-ilrei
tinuance of your friendship, which we shall ever esteem ife
ourselves happy in maintaining, by a steady and uniform wl
conduct. Being in haste, we only wish the Parent of the lea
Universe may shower down the greatest blessings on our lei
benevolent friends, and am with much esteem, to

Your sincere friends and humble servants,

Jno. Avery, Per order Committee

Letter from Falmouth. 209

1 . 1 : T T E R PRO M F A LMOU T II .

Falmouth, Casco Bay, January 19th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

We now send you by Capt. Wright, fifty-seven cords
of fire wood, purchased with the money which was long
since contributed here, for the use of the poor and indigent
in your besieged Town. As this is the charity of but a
part of the Town, w r e hope the other part will soon be lib-
erally disposed to send another load. We wish a concur-
rence of our unfortunate circumstances did not prevent our
giving a more bountiful supply to those worthy patriots,
who nobly persevere in patient suffering for our country's
cause. As our hearts applaud their conduct, and commis-
erate their oppressed condition, they may depend on us
that we will use our influence for a further bounty.

Imploring Heaven's blessing on their laudable endeav-
ors to save our country from impending slavery, we are,
Gentlemen, with regard, your friends and very humble
servants, by order of the Committee of Correspondence,

Enoch Freeman.

Committee for receiving Donations, Boston.

REPLY TO FALMOUTH.

Boston, %lst January, 1775.

Enoch Freeman, Esq., Falmouth, Casco Bay.
Sir,

Your kind favor by Capt. Wright, have received, at-
tending your kind donation of fifty-one cords wood, which
we shall apply agreeable to your intentions, which doubt-
less will be a great relief to our suffering poor. The sym-
pathy manifested by our worthy brethren at Falmouth,
Casco Bay, animates us, though most severely oppressed by
a most cruel ministry, to stand firm and suffer still greater
distresses, rather than give up our rights and privileges,
even at the risk of life, and all that we hold dear. Please
to accept of our grateful acknowledgments for your benev-
olence, and only wish it was in our power to make you an

4th s. — VOL. IV. '11

210 Letter from Spotsylvania.

adequate return ; however, hope that the Parent of nature
and of every good, will reward you. We esteem ourselves
happy in meriting your applause, and hope the Town of
Boston will never forfeit your kindness.

We inclose you a printed copy of our proceedings, as also
a justification of our conduct against many cruel attacks on
our characters which we hope will be acceptable. We
have nothing further to add, except presenting our best
regards to our worthy friends who have been so liberal in
their charity, and are with much esteem, your sincere
friends and humble servants,

T\ Tr . A Tr-n-ov S ? er order the Commit-
J IN U . IX V _L H Y , tee of Dona tions.

LETTER FROM SPOTSYLVANIA.

Virginia, FreoVg, Spotsylvania County,
January 2M, 1775.

To the Overseers of the Poor of Boston.

Gentlemen,

By order of the Committee of this County, we inclose
you bills of lading for seven hundred and thirty-six bushels
and one peck of wheat, twenty-five bushels of Indian corn,
three barrels of flour, and three barrels of bread, put on
board the schooner Betsey, Capt. John Foster, being the
contributions of this County, to the suffering poor of your
Town, that could be collected in time to go by this oppor-
tunity. We cannot close this business without expressing
our sympathy in the distresses of your Capital, and ac-
knowledging the obligations of all America so justly due
to the inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay, for the noble
stand they have so timely made against the infamous and
tyrannical attempts of the late British Parliament.

Wishing success to so noble a work, we are, Gentlemen,
your most obedient, humble servants,

Chas. Dick.

Chas. Washington.

Geo. Thornton.

Per agreement, freight of the grain at \M. per bushel ; flour and bread at 4/
per barrel.

Letter from North Providence. 211

R E P L Y T O SI'O T SYLVAN1A.

Boston, Mar elf, 1775.
To Messrs. Charles Dick, Charles Washington, and George Thorn-
ton, at Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

Gentlemen,

Your letter of the 23d of January last, directed to the
Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston, has been
laid before the Committee appointed to receive and distrib-
ute Donations for the sufferers by that cruel and unright-

I eons Act of the British Parliament, commonly called the
Boston Port Bill. I am now in behalf of this Committee
to acknowledge the receipt of seven hundred thirty-six and
a quarter bushels wheat, twenty-five bushels Indian corn,
three barrels flour, and three barrels bread, shipped on

j board the schooner Betsey, Capt. John Foster, being a very
generous contribution of Spotsylvania County, in Virginia,

I to those sufferers.

You will be pleased, gentlemen, to return the sincere

; thanks of the Committee to our friends of that County, for
the warm sympathy they have in this instance discovered

jwith their distressed brethren in this Capital. Encouraged
by these liberal donations, the inhabitants of this Town
still endure their complicated sufferings with patience. As
men, they feel the indignities which are offered to them.
As citizens, they suppress their just resentment. But I

| trust in God, that this much injured Colony, when urged to
it by extreme necessity, w r ill exert itself at the utmost haz-
ard in the defence of our common rights. I flatter myself
that I am not mistaken, while they deprecate that necessity,

| they are very active in preparing for it,

I am, Gentlemen, in behalf of the Committee, your

♦obliged and affectionate friend and countryman,

Sam'l Adams.

LETTER FROM NORTH PROVIDENCE.

North Providence, Jan. 23, 1775,
Gentlemen,

A number of the inhabitants of North Providence, a
jsmall Town lately taken off from Providence, in the Col-

212 Reply to North Providence.

ony of Rhode Island, taking into consideration the dis-
tressed situation of the Town of Boston, who are now
suffering by the cruel hand of tyranny and oppression in the
glorious cause of liberty, which equally affects this Colony
as well as all North America, have raised by subscription
the small sum of eighteen pounds, lawful money, which
you will receive as a donation by the hand of the Hon.
Elisha Brown, Esq., the bearer hereof, which sum we make
no doubt but will be appropriated towards such purposes
as you in your wisdom judge most expedient.

We are, Gentlemen, for ourselves and by the request and
in the behalf the other donors, your most humble servants,

Stephen Jenks.
Jon a. Jenks, Jr.

To the Committee of Donations for the Town of Boston.

REPLY TO NORTH PROVIDENCE.

Boston, January 24th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

The Committee of Donations for the employment and
support of the poor of this Town, received your favor last
evening, by the hand of the Honorable Elisha Brown, Esq.,
and return their grateful acknowledgments for the generous
donation accompanying it, from the inhabitants of the Town
of North Providence, of eighteen pounds, 2s. <i\d. lawful
money.

This Town is in truly distressed circumstances, strug-
gling under the cruel hand of oppression ; our industrious
inhabitants reduced to such straits, as to implore that
charity of our beneficent friends and brethren, which they
were once in a capacity to extend to others. But we have
hitherto, through the goodness of God, been supported, and
we trust he will support us in the defence of the rights and
privileges, not of this Town and Province only, but of
every Colony in America. And we hope that day is not far
distant, when every man shall sit quietly under his own
vine and fig tree, and have none to make him afraid.

You may rely on our distributing this, and all other

Letter from Providence. 213

donations, to the benevolent purposes of the donors. We
refer you to Mr. Brown, for a full account of the manner
of our proceedings, and the method of keeping our hooks,
who has had an opportunity of examining them, and of
satisfying himself of the falsity of the malicious reports
that have been industriously propagated by the friends of
tyranny and despotism.

1 am, with great respect, in behalf of the Committee,
Gentlemen, your most humble servant,

1 [ ]

To Messrs. Stephen Jenks, and Jonathan Jenks, Jr. in North

Providence.

Per favor the Honorable E. Brown, Esq.

LETTER FROM PROVIDENCE.

Providence, January 23, 1775.
Gentlemen,

Agreeable to your order I have sold all the rye and
born, one barrel flour, and one do. rye flour, and shall sell
the remaining part of the donation as soon as possible, for
fcash, and transmit the money to you by some safe hand, as
II do now, by the bearer, Mr. Nathan Angell, send you the
pet proceeds of the above articles, to wit ; — four hundred
twenty-seven and a half bushels rye, a 3/, amounting to
[664 2/6 — one barrel wheat flour, 2c. : Oqr. : 51b, tare 18 a
16/6 is £1: 10: 8. 1 barrel rye Hour, 2:0: 18. Tare
B31b a 9/6 is 18/7, and 11 bushels Indian corn a 3/, is 33/;
Ithe whole amounting to £68 : 7 : 4£, which I hope you will
receive by Mr. Angell.

N. 13. — The expenses for landing and storing the rye,
&c, was five dollars, which w T as paid in rye, and exclusive
bf the above quantity.

I am, with respect, Gentlemen, your friend and servant,

J. Angell.

The money Mr. Jeffries received Jan. 24, 1775, amounting to £(5i): 13: 1.

The signature has been torn from the volume.

214 Reply to Barnstable.

REPLY TO BARNSTABLE.

Boston, 24Jh January, 1775.

Rev'd Sir,

Sensible of the many kind favors received from our i
worthy and generous benefactors of this and the other?-;
Provinces, and especially the generous donation (by the I
hands of Doct. Samuel Savage) of twelve pounds, 10.?. 3d.,
from the respectable inhabitants in the East Parish of Barn- J
stable, demands our sincerest gratitude. Be assured that]
notwithstanding we are suffering under the severest trials, il
we are determined to stand firm, relying on the great II
Parent of the Universe for relief in his own due time.
When we reflect on the many expressions of tenderness |
from our worthy brethren on this wide and extensive con- 1
tinent, it animates us to be steady, firm, and prudent, and ;
we esteem it an interposition of Providence that the hearts [i
of our brethren are opened for our support, which, without I
their aid and assistance we must have fallen a prey to as j
abandoned a set of men, as are upon the face of the earth. i|
But we hope the time is not far distant, when we shall rise -j
superior to their villainous measures to subjugate us, and ji
that we shall enjoy that inestimable blessing (liberty) that
we have been so long contending for, and be able to trans-
mit it entire to the latest posterity. The cruel and most !
barbarous Port Bill, with the many other iniquitous acts,!
must fall on the heads of the vile perpetrators of them, and
meet with the just indignation of all good men.

The firmness and unanimity of the continent, (under
Providence,) will prove salutary, and we make no doubt :
that if we firmly adhere to the prudent and legal measures
that our worthy Congress have wisely adopted, that we
shall render abortive the little, low arts of our enemies,
who are exulting in the slender prospect of building their
fortunes on our ruin. We must act with the greatest cau-
tion and circumspection, as they leave no stone unturned
to drive us to desperation. But, if the time should come,
that we can no longer act on the defensive, and are com-
pelled to defend those rights and privileges at the risk of

Reply to Barnstable. 215

life, and all that we hold dear, we shall think it our dnt\ so
to do, for death is preferable to slavery.

AW herewith inclose you a printed copy of our proceed-
ings, as also a vindication of our conduct against the many
late cruel attacks on our characters, by our worthless ene-
mies, which we hope will prove satisfactory.

"With our best regards to our worthy brethren in your
benevolent Parish, we are. Reverend Sir, your sincere and
obliged friends and humble servants,

Tun^: flavin Tr | Per order of the Com-

J.11US. CHA1' IS, «Jl.,j niittei- of Donations.

To the Rev'd Timo. Hilyard, at Barnstable.

Boston, January 25, 1775.

BlR,

I am directed by the Committee of Donations to ac-
knowledge the receipt of six pounds, 13s. 4^., per the hands
pf Mr. May, which sum w T as committed to his care by you
as a donation from the inhabitants of the West Parish in
Barnstable, for the relief of the sufferers in this Town,
occasioned by the Port's being shut up, as also sixteen shil-
lings, being a donation from the Indians, in and about said
Parish, for the like benevolent and charitable purposes.
These with other donations which we are from time to time
receiving, are a great relief to us under our difficulties and
Distress, especially at this season of the year, when our
numbers which call [ 1 ] yly

Increasing amongst us.

You l [will please, Sir,] to communicate our thankful
acknowledgments to our friends and brethren, the inhabi-
tants aforesaid, for their kind and benevolent regards shown
l;o us herein.

We are, with great regard, Sir, your most obliged, hum-
|)le servants.

TVr» Qr»T t?v J rer order of the Com "
O ^,U. &VL,L, I , j m ittee of Donations.

To Col. James Otis, at Barnstable.

1 Manuscript torn.

216 Letter from Rittery.

LETTER FROM KITTERY.

ri Kittery, January 24dh, 1775.

(jtentlemen, j j

We have some time since promoted a subscription in
this Town for our poor suffering brethren in the Town of
Boston, who are suffering for and in behalf of all the Brit- 1
ish inhabitants in North. America ; and by means of said
subscriptions and contributions, we have collected the sum
of forty-one pounds, three shillings and five pence, lawful
money, which sum we send by Edward Cutt, Esq. ; though
a small sum, yet freely given according to our ability, and
doubt not will be accepted, and applied to that good use
for which the donors designed it ; the greater part of the
donors apprehending it rather paying a just debt, than a

gift-

We are, Gentlemen, your most humble servants,

Wm. Leighton, "I
Sam'l Weeks,
John Frost, \

Ben j a. Farnald,
Wm. Lewis,

To the Committee appointed for receiving the Donations for the
suffering Poor in Boston.

Selectmen
ofKittery.

letters to marblehead.

Boston, 21th Jan., 1775.
Sir,

The Committee for receiving Donations for the un-
happy sufferers in this distressed Town, have, in compli-
ance with your owners and your own request, consented
that your vessel may be discharged in Marblehead, and I ;
now do, by their order, write to Col. Orne and Mr. Gerry, j
two principal gentlemen in that Town, who will immedi-
ately provide vessels to take in your whole cargo, that you
may have all reasonable dispatch. The Committee will

Letter from Berwick. 217

cheerfully and punctually settle and pay the freight when
they may have the pleasure of seeing you.

I am, in behalf of the Committee, Sir, your very humble
servant, John Browne.

To Copt. Robt. Tompkins, Cont'd schooner Dimmorc, Marblehead.

ri Boston, 27 Jan. 1775.

Gentlemen,

The Committee of Donations again take the liberty to
apply to you, to ask your care of a cargo of grain, now in
your harbor, on board the schooner Dunmore, Robert
Tompkins, master, being the very generous donation of our
worth}', sympathizing' brethren in several Counties in Vir-
ginia, for the relief and support of the sufferers in this
unhappy Town. In compliance with the request of the
owner and master, the Committee have consented the vessel
may be discharged in Marblehead. I am therefore to beg
the favor you would provide proper vessels to take in the
whole cargo, to be delivered in this Town. You will please
to agree for the freight upon the best terms you may be
jable, and draw 7 upon the Committee for the same, together
with any other charges that may arise.

Gentlemen, I can now with pleasure assure you of the
[just sense the Committee entertain of your many kind
[offices, and am, very respectfully, Gentlemen, your most
lobedient, humble servant, John Browne.

P. S. — Capt. Tompkins has on board, for the Committee,
iin the whole, 3,352| bushels grain, including 5 bushels
peas, and twenty-three barrels flour.

To Messrs. Azor Orne, and Elbridge Gerry, Marblehead.

LETTER FROM BERWICK.

Berwick, Jan. 30, 1775.
\To the Committee of Donations.

Gentlemen,

In compliance with the request of the Provincial Con-
gress, the Resolve or recommendation of said Congress
4th s. — vol. iv. 28

218 Reply to Berwick,

relative to the suffering patriots in the Town of Boston and
Charlestown, has been publicly read to the congregation,
in the first parish in the Town of Berwick, and the people
have cheerfully contributed the small sum of money £11 6/8
which they have sent by the hands of Mr. Ichabod Good-
win, Jr. This is sent not as an act of charity, but as an
act of justice, and as a token of gratitude to the good peo-
ple of the aforementioned suffering Towns, for their firm-
ness and resolution in opposing the hand of tyranny, and
sacrificing their ease and affluence to preserve the invalua-
ble rights of the people of this Colony. This is not from
men of affluent fortunes, but from the industrious yeomanry
of this small parish. The season of the year, which prevents
such business as promotes the circulation of cash among
us, forbids a larger collection, but we hope our two mites,
which we of our penury have cast in, will be as acceptable
as what others of their abundance have bestowed. We
still depend upon your firmness and resolution as means in
the hand of God of preserving the liberty and consequently
the happiness of ourselves and posterity. And that you
may speedily be delivered from the cruel hand of tyranny
and oppression, is the constant and fervent prayer of your
humble servants.

Tatoti Fn^TPR V D M 1 Signed in behalf of the Congrega-
OALUH XUblJiK, V . XJ, 1VX., (tion in the first parish in Berwick.

REPLY TO BERWICK.

Boston, February 6, 1775.
Rev'd Mr. Jacob Foster, at Berwick.
Rev. Sir,

Permit us to return you our unfeigned acknowledg-
ments for your kind favor, attended with a benevolent
donation of eleven pounds, six shillings and eight pence,
for the poor of this Town, oppressed by a most cruel and
unjust Act of Parliament, and who must have fallen a prey
to an abandoned ministry, had it not been for our kind and
sympathizing brethren in this and the other Colonies. A
contribution so liberally and so cheerfully bestowed, is
expressive of the most endearing friendship and tender re-
gard, and will not fail of animating us to stand firm, and

Letter from North Bene Irk. 219

sacrifice ease and affluence, to maintain our invaluable rights
and privileges. It is from the worthy yeomanry that Ave
expect assistance to defeat the wicked designs formed
against us, and be assured, Sir, the industrious in your par-
ish merits our highest regard and esteem. The favor they
have heaped upon us, we shall never be wanting in duty to
make a suitable return, and by our conduct to deserve their
friendship and esteem, by a steady adherence to a firm res-
olution never to submit. The prospect doubtless must be
agreeable, to perceive the most distinguished persons
through the continent exerting themselves in our behalf,
and using their utmost influence to promote frugality and
industry, which are the wisest and the best measures to
convince our inveterate foes on the other side the Atlan-
tic, of their great mistakes ; but if we should be obliged to
make our last appeal, we hope that we shall have every
needed assistance from that Being who governs the world
with infinite wisdom and goodness. However, we cannot
but flatter ourselves that the time is not far distant, that we
shall rise superior to their wicked attempts to enslave us,
and that we shall have our rights secured to us on a per-
manent basis, which God grant !

We herewith inclose you the proceedings of the Com-
mittee, as also a defence of our much injured characters,
which we hope will be acceptable to you. Please to pre-
sent our hearty thanks to your worthy parish.

We are, with great esteem, your much obliged friends
and humble servants,

TnPTM AvTJRV Tttat J I > erorderoftheCommit-
J OHN i^VERY, J UN., | tee of Correspondence.

LETTER FROM NORTH BERWICK.

Berwick, North Parish, 20th Jan. 1775.

To the Committee of Donations.

Gentlemen,

In compliance with the recommendation of the Pro-
vincial Congress, to afford further assistance and support to

220 Reply to North Berwick.

the Towns of Boston and Charlestown, under their cruel
burdens, we have by contributions collected the trifling sum
of two pounds, two shillings, which is herewith transmitted
by Mr. Goodwin, our delegate, to be made use of for the
benefit of such as stand in need, which we desire may be
considered not as the measure of our regard and concern
for you and the public cause of the country, but as a small
token of it ; and should there be further need, we want not
a disposition to contribute our mite. I speak it in behalf
of my people, and with humble confidence in Him who
has planted a vine in this land, that he will not suffer it to
be plucked up or trodden down by wicked oppressors. I
would not forget daily to intercede in your behalf for
deliverance from all your burdens and distresses, and for
the restoration and establishment of the rights, liberties
and privileges of the country, upon the most happy and
lasting foundation, who am,

Gentlemen, your hearty friend and humble servant,

Matthew Merriam.

REPLY TO NORTH BERWICK.

Boston, Feb. 1th, 1775.
To the Rev'd Matthew Merriam, in Berwick, North Parish.

Eev'd Sir,

With minds deeply impressed with the highest sense
of your goodness for your kind favor of 30th January, ult,
as also for the liberality you have manifested in a generous
donation of two pounds, two shillings, received by the
hand of our good friend Mr. Goodwin, for our suffering
poor, we return you our sincere acknowledgments. We
shall apply the said donation as their necessities require.

The kindness and sympathy of our worthy brethren in
this and the other Colonies, towards us, sufficiently demon-
strates their approbation of our conduct in this day of trial,
and animates us to persevere in our steadfastness to main-
tain our just rights, those rights which God and nature
has given us, and which no man on earth has a right to
deprive us of. The cruelty and oppression extended by
our once parent state to this poor devoted Town, are be-

Letter from Neiv York. 221

yond expression severe, and perhaps history cannot furnish
mii example of the kind, even among the most barbarous
nations at the earliest period. Their conduct evidently
manifests that paying for the tea was not their sole; motive ;
they vainly imagined that by sending the cruel Port Bill,
attended with a large fleet and army, we should he so
amazingly intimidated that we should immediately comply
Avith their demand, and for this reason they ventured on the
other hills. But through a good Providence, their schemes
have been hitherto frustrated, and the wicked attempts
formed against us has had this happy tendency of uniting
the hearts of this wide and extensive Continent, by the
strongest tics of love and friendship, which, we flatter our-
selves, will in due time prove salutary, relying with firm
confidence, as you will ohserve, in Him who has planted a
vine in this land, that he will not suffer it to be plucked up
or trodden down by wicked oppressors. Be assured, Sir,
your kind assurances of further tokens of your goodness,
will never be obliterated from our minds, and may your
kind intercessions to the God of all justice, be heard and
answered.

By the last accounts from England, the American affairs
would not be hurried with that rapidity as in the last
wicked administration, but we were to have an impartial
hearing. Justitia fiat pereatve mundus.

Please to tender our sincere thanks to your worthy
Parish, and beg your acceptance of a printed copy of our
proceedings, as also a vindication of our conduct against
many cruel aspersions from our inveterate foes.

We are, with much esteem, Reverend Sir, your obliged
friends and humble servants,

TnwAr A vpt? v Ttttv \ B J' order of the Com "
J UHiN J\ VER\ , J UJN., | mittee of Donat i ons .

LETTER FROM NEWYORK.

New York, Jan. 30, 1775.
John Row.
Sir,

We duly received your favor of the 5th inst., by which
we observe our error in applying to you as one of the Com-

222 Letter from Chester Town.

mittee for receiving the Donations for the Town of Boston.
We have now to request that you will make known to such
Committee the purport of oar first letter, and that they
may favor us with instructions to whom we may remit the
moneys that are and will be coming to us from the sales of
rice. In the mean while we shall be taking up such bills
as may offer on Boston, and are respectfully, Sir,

Your very humble servant, for P. Livingston and selves,

Charles M. Evers & Co.

LETTER FROM GLASTENBURY.

Glastenbury, Jan. 30, 1775.

Gentlemen, \

Inclosed is a letter for Isaac Smith, Esq., and an order
on him for £6 13s. 4:d., which desire you will accept of for
the benefit of the sufferers in Boston.

From your most obedient, humble servant,

Eben'r Plummer.

To the Committee of Donations in Boston.

LETTER FROM CHESTER TOWN.

Chester Town, Maryland, January 30, 1775.

To David Jeffries, Esq., one of the Committtee of Donations.

Gentlemen,

Your very polite letter of the 6th October last, was
delivered us by Capt. Harden, of the schooner Endeavour,
and we are happy to hear that our donation arrived at a
time so seasonable for your distressed poor. Capt. Har-
den's bill for £4 : 10, sterling, on his owner, Mr. Braddock,
was duly honored. We determined on the receipt of your

Letter from C. Higgins* 223

favor to remit you the sum you had advanced to Capt
Harden, but have not had it in our power to procure a bill
on your Town, until a few days ago, and that not to the
full amount of your advance.

Herein we send you Robt. Hacford Byrnes's draft on
Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., for 5:15: (>, sterling, which you will
please to apply to the credit of the money advanced Capt.
Harden, and am, with respect,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Thomas Smyth,
Chairman of the Committee.

LETTER FROM C. HIGGINS.

Lyme, Jan. 31, 1775.
Col. Jackson.

Sir,

As there has been gentlemen chosen in this Town for
o make a collection for the Town of Boston, but it seems
;o be in slow motion, my father and my brother and myself
concluded to take this opportunity to send in our mite by
he post, which we should be glad if you would receive the
ame, and give it to your Committee for the use of our
>oor brethren in Boston. My father desires to be remem-
)ered to you and all friends there.

This from your humble servant,

Chris'n Higgins.

P. S.— My father sent £ 2

My brother Jos. ] 16
I have sent 1 10

£5 6

N. B. — I did not know who was the Standing Committee,
r I should sent to them.

C. Higgins.

Capt. Jos. Higgins.
Mr. Jos. Higgins, Jun.
Capt. Christian Higgins.

224 Reply to Captain Higgins.

REPLY TO CAPTAIN HIGGINS.

Boston, Feb. 7, 1775.
San,

By the hands of Col. Jackson, we received a kind dona-
tion from your worthy father, your brother Joseph, and
yourself, amounting to five pounds, six shillings, lawful
money, for the use of your poor brethren in Boston.

The Committee of Donations, who are appointed the
distributors of those charities, return their sincere thanks
to the benevolent donors. The conduct of the said Com-
mittee respecting the monies, &c. with which they are
intrusted, may be collected from the two printed publica-
tions they have been called upon to make since they en-
gaged in this important business. We now inclose them,
not doubting they will afford satisfaction to all the friends
of true constitutional liberty.

Our troubles are many, our oppressions great, our oppo-
sition mighty, and our conflict sharp, but patience and
fortitude have been communicated from above, and if God
shall continue to favor our cause, which we indeed think is
a common cause, and the cause of truth and righteousness,
we shall finally rise superior to those who, we think, are
seeking the destruction of our civil and religious liberties.
It was a frequent saying of the late venerable Doctor
Sew&U's " That civil and religious liberty always go to-
gether."

The Christian sympathy our fellow countrymen have j
expressed from time to time in their letters, and their gen
erous donations for the relief and employment of the poor |
in this Town, suffering by means of the Boston Port Bill,
greatly refresh our spirits, and encourages us to persevere
in the noble cause, and by the divine blessing we may hope
for the desired success.

I am, with due respects to your father and brother, Sir,
your obliged friend and humble servant,

T\ T (Per order of the Com-
* J% ** '5 \ mittee of Donations.

To Capt Christian Higgins.

Letter to Eastham. 225

I. 1. IT E R TO N. A V VI. ETON.

I lost on, Jan, 31, 1 1 1-").

Mr. Nath'l Apple ton.

Dear Sir,

The bearei is ('apt. Ephm. Linnell, master of a sloop
mm Eastham, South Parish, who brings us fifty bushels
■orn, being a donation from our benevolent, sympathiz-
ing brethren there, for the relief of the unhappy sufferers
n this Town. Should there he any opportunity of sending
he corn to Town, the Committee wish you would do it; if
lot, you will please to store it with Mr. Malloone, the miller,
here to wait their order. The freight you will also please
o settle with, and pay the master, which the Committee
vill reimburse you, together with any other charges that
nay arise.

I am, with esteem and regard, dear Sir, your very hum-
le servant,

John Brown, Per order.

P. S. — You will he kind enough to write a letter to the
iouth Parish in Eastham, to return them the thanks of the
onimittee for their charitable donation.

LETTER TO EASTHAM.

Boston, Feb. 1, 1775.

IR '

The Committee of Donations for this Town has re-
vived, by Capt. Eph. Linnell, fifty-two and a half bushels
orn, which he informs us is a present from you and
iveraJ others of the South Parish in Eastham, to the
oor of this Town, put out of employment and deprived
if the means of subsistence, by the operation of the cruel
bd oppressive Boston Port Bill. We receive it not only
k a proof of the generosity and benevolence, which always
ias, and we trust always will characterize this people, but

4th P. VOL. TV. 20

226 Letter from Orne and Gerry.

\
a confirmation of that harmony of sentiment respecting |
the rights of mankind and the special privileges that this
Province have an undoubted claim to, which excites the
admiration of all. We shall endeavor to apply this and all J!
other donations agreeable to what we suppose to be the j
benevolent intentions of the generous donors, viz., by reliev- J
ing the distresses of such as are destitute of employ, and
encourage their hearts firmly to resist every encroachment
upon our rights and charter privileges, which we think it
our indispensable duty to do, not only for our own happi-
ness, but as natural guardians to posterity.

Please to present our unfeigned esteem to your fellow |
contributors, and be assured we are your and their friends
and fellow countrymen.

1ST \ PPT PTOTV \ B ^ order of the Com "
n . jTLI rijJ^l Ul\ , j m jttee of Donations.

To Mr. Thos. Paine.

Mem. There was 8/ which Capt. Linnell paid besides the corn, and is part of !
the donation from Eastham. Feb. 8, paid 8/ to David Jeffries, by N. Appleton.

LETTER FROM ORNE AND GERRY.

Marblehead, Feb. 1, 1775.
Gentlemen,

In answer to your favor of the 27th ult, we have con-
tracted with Capt. Knot Martin, Jun., and his brother John,
to carry up all the grain per Capt. Tompkins, excepting
the corn, at 9s. old tenor per bushel. The corn was put
on board for 468J bushels, and when it is delivered, the
quantity which it measures shall be endorsed on your order,
and the same inclosed to you. It gives us great satisfao j
tion to see the continuance of the continental liberality to :
our suffering brethren of Boston, and is our sincere desire
that they soon be redeemed from oppression.

We are, respectfully, Gentlemen, your most humble ser-j
vants.

Orne and Gerry.

To the Committee of Donations for Boston.

Letter from Cecil County* 227

LETTER FROM CECIL COUNTY.

Man/land, Cecil County, Feb. % 2d, 1775.

To the Committee of Donations.

Gentlemen,

There will be id a short time collected in this County
between 3 and 400 £ for the poor of Boston. You will
►lease to acquaint us whether you will order it in the
bands of a merchant in Baltimore Town, Philadelphia,
New York, or your City, and send an order to us for that
purpose, properly authenticated.

We are, Gentlemen, your very humble servants,

J no. Veazey, Jun.
Wm, Rumsey.

Joseph (in, pin.
Jno. D. Thompson.
Jno. Veazey, the third.
Stephen Hyland.

REPLY TO CECIL COUNTY.

Boston, March loth, 1775.

To Mr. Jno. Veazey, Jr., and other Gentlemen, the Committee of Cor-
respondence in Cecil County, Maryland.

Sentlemen,

The Committee appointed by this Town to receive and
Distribute Donations made for the relief and employment
>f the sufferers by the Boston Port Bill, have received your
[favor of the 2d of February, directed to the Committee of
Correspondence of Boston, whereby you acquaint them
(that a collection is making by the gentlemen of Cecil
County, in Maryland, for those sufferers, and desire to be
informed in what way it will be most agreeable to have it
remitted to this place. As Mr. Sam'l Purviance, of Balti-
more Town, has already obliged us by his kind offices of
this kind, the Committee have asked the further favor of
liim, (if it be most agreeable to you.) that this generous
donation mav be remitted through his hands.

I am, with sincere regard for our sympathizing brethren

228 Letter from Portsmouth.

in your County, in behalf of the Committee, Gentlemen,
your obliged and affectionate friend and countryman,

S. Adams.

LETTER FROM PORTSMOUTH.

Portsmouth, Feb. 2d, 1775.
Gentlemen,

We have now the pleasure to transmit to you, by Mr.
Noble, the post, the two hundred pounds some time since
voted by this Town for the poor of Boston.

I am, Sir, in behalf of the Selectmen, your most humble I
servant,

Samuel Cutts.

REPLY TO PORTSMOUTH.

Boston, Feb. 6, 1775.
Sir,

This day, by the hands of Mr. John Noble, the Com-
mittee of Donations received the generous benefaction of
two hundred pounds, lawful money, from our worthy and]
sympathizing brethren of Portsmouth, in New Hampshire.'
The grateful acknowledgments of the Committee are hereby'
rendered to them. They may be assured the same will be>
disposed of agreeable to the charitable intent of our bene-r
factors. Our hands are strengthened and our hearts much
encouraged by the liberalities of our friends, to persevere
in the sharp conflict to which we are appointed. The
cause in which we are exerting ourselves, is the cause of
North America, and we trust the cause of truth and right-
eousness, the cause of true constitutional liberty, though
otherwise formed by the abettors of tyranny and slavery. .!
"We therefore humbly hope that our gracious God will
favor and maintain this righteous cause, and in his own |
time and way give us occasion to rejoice in his salvation. |
Our humble and thankful praises are due to him for the |

Letter from Paxtm, 229

remarkable and kind interpositions of his providence in
our favor hitherto. He hath promised that none who wait

for him shall be ashamed. The inclosed printed papers

will show that the Committee are called to pass through
had as well as good report

In behalf of the Committee, I am, Sir, vourvery obliged,
humble servant,

David Jeffries.

To Sam. Cutis, Esq., and others, Selectmen of Portsmouth, in New
Hampshire.

I . E T T E 11 F II M P A X T O N .

PdAion, February (>, 17 7o.
Gentlemen,

Although we have not sent any relief to the distressed
inhabitants of Boston, we have not been unmindful of
their ease, (but perhaps you would think otherwise, if you
was to judge our dispositions by our name,) and have sent
part of our subscription by Mr. Clemmons, in grain, corn,
&c, and shall endeavor to send the remainder in grain or
money as soon as we have an opportunity, which in the
whole will be but a small pittance, but perhaps equal to
our abilities ; and if matters are not settled in the spring, I
hope we shall have hearts to make further contributions.

Your humble servant,

Willard Morse.

LETTER FROM ROBERT TOMPKINS.

Marblehead, 6th February, 1775.
I Gentlemen,

My son, Christopher Tompkins, the bearer hereof, brings
ian order on you from Col. Cary, for fifty-six pounds, fifteen
shillings and l)r/. T understand the order drawn on one for

230 Letter from Exeter.

corn, amounted to forty odd bushels more than I received
in Virginia. He has with him a list of what I received,
which I dare say has held out, though [it] was taken from
me without measuring, &c. I delivered all the corn per
your order, which was eight bushels short, which was dam-
aged. My son has sixty firkins of butter, as good as I
ever saw. Could you contrive the sale of it for him, I
should esteem it a particular favor. Have you any com-
mands, I would gladly obey them, and am, Gentlemen,

Your humble servant,

Eobert Tompkins.

LETTER FROM BROOKFIELD.

Brookfield^ February 6, 1775.
To the Committee of Donations.
Gentlemen,

The bearer, Mr. Ayers, will deliver you 30 bushels
rye, 14 do. Indian corn, J bushel beans, and 18 cheeses,
weight 224 lbs., and two dollars in cash, which I received
of the inhabitants of the second precinct in Brookfield, for \
the suffering poor of Boston, and is the whole that is
brought in. There is not a man in this place but wishes
you success, and are ready to lend you their assistance to
the last extremity.

I am your very humble servant,

Jedu Baldwin, Committee.

letter from exeter.
Gentlemen,

It gives us peculiar satisfaction that we are the happy
instruments of conveying relief to the distressed. We
send you by the bearer hereof, Mr. Carlton, one hundred
pounds, which sum was unanimously and cheerfully voted
by this Town for our suffering brethren in Boston. The

Reply to Exeter. 281

cause for "which you now suffer, we esteem the common
cause of all America; your prudence and fortitude wr ad-
mire. That you ma\ be assisted b\ all the Colonics in the
present glorious struggle for Liberty, and endued with wis-
dom and patience to persevere to the end, is the desire and
hearty prayer of your sincere friends.

I have the honor. Gentlemen, in behalf of the Selectmen
of Exeter, to subscribe myself your most humble servant,

Samuel Brooks.

New Hampshire, Ureter, 6th February, 177o.

It E P L V T O EXETER.

Boston, February 8, 1775.

Sir,

Our worthy friend Mr. Carlton, has just now called in
and left with me one hundred pounds lawful money, a gen-
erous donation from the patriotic inhabitants of Exeter, for
their suffering brethren in Boston. You will please to ten-
der the thanks of the Committee of Donations to our kind
benefactors, for this mark of their Christian sympathy and
affection. Their approbation of the past conduct of this
greatly oppressed and distressed metropolis, affords us great
| satisfaction, but especially the tender and benevolent senti-
iments expressed in your letter. Prudence and fortitude have
doubtless been exhibited, but humility becomes us, and our
thankful acknowledgments are due to God, from whom
| alone every good gift and every perfect gift is derived, and
'on Him alone we must constantly depend for all that wis-
dom, patience and fortitude, we need in this day of sore
trial. By his help and favor we shall persevere, and in the
end see the happy accomplishment of all our desires. We
■hope for the continuance of the prayers, countenance and
assistance of our friends. We cannot doubt it, since they
unitedly consider the cause as common.

Yours and others, our friends' donations, will be applied
agreeable to the intent of the charitable donors. Printed
accounts of the conduct of the Committee are now inclosed,

232 Letter from New Castle.

and I trust will give satisfaction to all the friends of truth
and righteousness.

I am, Sir, your obliged friend and humble servant,
To Samuel Brooks, Esq.

T)wit\ Tft?t?t?tt?q I Per order of the Com-
UAMD JEWRIES, mittee of Donations.

LETTER FROM NEW CASTLE.

New Castle, Feb. 6, 1775.
To Mr. David Jeffries,
Sir,

I take the liberty to address this to you, as you have I
subscribed a letter per order of the Committee of Dona- 1
tions now before me, dated the 25th of August last, and I
directed to the Committee of Correspondence of the Coun-
ty of New Castle, and I am to inform you that Nicholas I
Van Dyke, Esq., and myself, were appointed to receive the
donations of the people of this County for the relief of j
the poor of Boston, and that we have now in our hands
upwards of nine hundred dollars, which we have endeav-
ored to remit to you by way of bills to be drawn by mer- 1
can tile persons in Philadelphia, who transact business with
your Colony, and were safe hands ; but upon strict in-
quiry, we can find no one amongst them willing to draw
any bills for some time to come, lest they should distress
their correspondents by draughts too early for the season
of business. Upon this disappointment we had thoughts
of purchasing English bills ; but on reflection doubted
whether you might not be losers by the exchange ; there-
fore I must request the advice and directions of your
Committee as to the most speedy and acceptable mode of
remittance. Perhaps some amongst your townsmen may
with convenience give orders to their correspondents at
Philadelphia to draw for the amount of our small sum,
which it is hoped will not come to you out of season,
though late. You may be assured that it is from a people
who sincerely sympathize with you in your distresses, and
are anxious for your relief. Please to present my compli-

Repfy to New Castle. 283

ments to Messrs. Cushing, Adams's and Paine, and I am,
with esteem,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

George Read.

It E P L Y T O N E W e A S T L E .

Boston, Feb. 24, 1775.
To Mr, Geo. Read, at Nciv Castle on Delaware,

Sir,

By your letter of the Oth instant, directed to Mr.
David Jeffries, the Committee of this Town appointed to
receive and distribute the donations made for the employ-
ment and relief of the sufferers by the Boston Port Bill,
are informed that a very generous collection has been made
by the inhabitants of the County of New Castle on Dela-
ware, and that there is in your hands upwards of nine
hundred dollars for that charitable purpose. The care you
have taken, with our worthy friend Nicholas Vandyke,
Esq., in receiving these contributions, and your joint
endeavors to have them remitted in the safest and most
easy manner, is gratefully acknowledged by our Commit-
tee ; and they have directed me to request that you would
return their sincere thanks to the people of New Castle
County, for their great liberality towards their fellow sub-
jects in this place who are still suffering under the hand of
oppression and tyranny. It will, I dare say, afford you
abundant satisfaction to be informed that the inhabitants of
this Town, w 7 ith the exception only of a contemptible few,
appear to be animated with an inextinguishable love of
liberty. Having the approbation of all the sister Colonies,
and being thus supported by their generous benefactions,
they endure the most severe trials, with a manly fortitude
w r hich disappoints and perplexes our common enemies.
While a great continent is thus anxious for them, and con-
stantly administering to their relief, they can even smile
with contempt on the feeble efforts of the British adminis-
tration to force them to submit to tyranny, by depriving
them of the usual means of subsistence. The people of
4th s. — vol. iv. . 30

234 Letter from Montreal.

this Province, behold with indignation a lawless army
posted in its capital, with a professed design to overturn
their free constitution. They restrain their just resent-]
ments, in hopes that the most happy effects will flow from
the united applications of the Colonies for their relief.

May Heaven grant that the councils of our sovereign
may be guided by wisdom, that the liberties of America
may be established, and harmony restored between the sub-
jects in Britain and the Colonies.

I am, your very obliged friend and humble servant,

Sam'l Adams.

LETTER FROM MONTREAL.

Montreal, 9th February, 1775.
Gentlemen,

Please to accept with this the small tribute of a few
English inhabitants of this Town, who [are] duly sensible
of the distressed situation of their countrymen generously
struggling in the cause of American liberty ; and as it is
out of our power to co-operate with you effectually, from
our situation, so it is our duty herewith to assure you we
sincerely sympathize with you in your oppression. The
common ties of gratitude ought to have stimulated the
Canadians of this Town to make some return for the as-
sistance they received from you, when fire brought distress
upon them ; for as to liberty, and the excellence of our
constitution, they are entire strangers, and therefore have
adopted a conduct professedly to» counteract every effort of
ours to ward off slavery itself, which now is daily so nearly
approaching to us, and unless we are redressed will involve
us in the common loss of every thing an Englishman
ought to hold most dear. All who reflect upon the present
situation of affairs between Great Britain and the Colonies,
must Took upon you, in a particular manner, as the advocates
of American liberty in general, and, as such, are entitled to
the most grateful acknowledgments of all her sons. All

Reply to Montreal. -J;J/j

we ran offer at present is our sincere prayers and hearty
wishes for your success, and remain your sincere friends,

James Price.
Alex'r Hay.

To the members of the Committee of Donations for the Town of
Boston.

Inclosed you have Mr. John Torrey's receipt for JC100. 4. lawful money.

REPLY TO MONTREAL.

Boston, March 15, 1775.
Messrs. James Price and Alexander Hay, at Montreal.

Gentlemen,

So handsome a- donation as £'100. 4/, accompanied by
such an animating letter from our brethren at Montreal,
cannot fail to excite the warmest gratitude in the breast of
every one who wishes prosperity and freedom to his coun-
try. The Committee to whom your letter comes directed,
beg leave (as well on their own account as in the name and
behalf of every virtuous man in the Town, more especially
of the many thousands who are actually feeling the mis-
eries occasioned by the Boston Port Bill) to offer you their
most unfeigned thanks for this convincing proof of your
sympathy for the distresses of your fellow-countrymen,
and for your firm, disinterested attachment to the rights
of your country. It affords singular pleasure to every
friend of virtue to find such enlarged and generous sen-
timents as dictated your letter, discovering themselves
in places where the utmost diligence and most wicked
devices have been made use of to extinguish them. The
religion lately established in Canada, is but too well cal-
culated to banish every idea of freedom, and to familiar-
ize the mind to slavery. But your letter is an agreeable
instance how tenacious men are of their rights, when they
clearly understand them. We wish most heartily that sen-
timents like yours may be diffused throughout your widely
extended Province, to the utter extinction of every imposi-
tion, whether civil or religious. Your numbers are great,
and it is of course important to us whether you are engaged

236 Reply to Beverly.

for or against us. The decision of the present controversy
between Britain and the Colonies will give happiness or
misery to America for years, perhaps for centuries. Unan-
imity and firmness form the only anchor on which we
depend. And we have the strongest assurances that can
be given, that the whole continent see with the same eyes
and are actuated by one soul. To war with brethren, must
be shocking to every brave, every humane mind ; but if
brethren and fellow subjects will suffer themselves to be
instruments in the hands of tyrants to stab our constitution,
every tender idea must be forgot, and they must be repelled
with that heroic spirit which open enemies have expe-
rienced.

Our advocates are many, both in Europe and America,
but the importance of our prosperity makes it a duty to
solicit, with earnestness, for all the assistance and all the
strength which the continent can give.

The inhabitants of Montreal have done worthily. May
Heaven reward them ; and while life lasts, the memory of
their kindness will never be effaced from the bosoms of
the Committee of Donations.

Joseph Warren, Per order.

REPLY TO BEVERLY.

Boston, 9 Feb. 1775.
To Benj. Jones, Esq., at Beverly.
Sir,

The kind favors we receive from our worthy friends
in this, and the other Colonies, invigorates our spirits, and
demands our sincerest gratitude ; and in an especial manner
the generous donations received by the hand of our good
friend Mr. Joseph How, from our benevolent brethren in
Beverly. We esteem it a great interposition of Providence,
that the hearts of our brethren are so liberally disposed to
relieve the necessity of our industrious poor, who are now
suffering under the most cruel oppression ; and who, with-
out your aid and assistance, must have fallen. But from

Letter to Georgetown. 237

the unanimity in the Province and continent, we flatter
ourselves that the schemes of wicked and designing men
will prove abortive, and their villainy fall with tenfold ven-
geance on their own heads We have hitherto, thanks to
the kind Author of nature, baffled their feeble attempts, by
a firm and steady adherence to the cause of our country;
md while 4 we have the approbation of good men, we shall
lersevere. We an 4 exceedingly rejoiced that the plan of
Union has made such a rapid progress through this wide
md extensive continent, and that there is such a harmony ;
jut at the same time, it is not at all surprising, when Ave
?onsidcr the design of it, viz : to preserve our invaluable
ights and privileges, consequently every thing worth con-
ending for, and for which every friend to their country
>eems determined to risk their all.

We cannot help again and again expressing our sincerest
pleasure on the united sentiments of our brethren in this
Province, who have nobly and generously exerted them-
elves in our behalf, which will not fail of making the
leepest impressions on our minds, and in an especial man-
ier hope we shall always merit a place you have given us
jn your esteem ; and may our friendship be as lasting as
ife, shall be the sincerest prayer of, Dear Sir,

Your much obliged friend and humble servant,

T-vr» A i- i^r>^- Tr J Per order the Commit-
jrsU. AVMY, JL, tee of Donations.

LETTER TO GEORGETOWN.

Boston, Feb. 9, 1775.
'"o the First Parish in Georgetoion.
i Gentlemen,

Your kind donation of twenty-two pounds, 14/8, law-
jil money, per the hands of Mr. McCobb, Ave duly received,
;ho also informs us of your further generous intentions
kwards the poor of this Town, (who are more immediate
offerers by reason of the late cruel acts of Parliament,)
!»r which you have the thanks of this Committee. We

238 Letter from Westmoreland County.

cannot but take notice of the visible hand of Providence
not only in the happy union of this Province, but of the
continent, also ; and that the hearts of our brethren sym-
pathize with us under our distressed circumstances, and sc|
cheerfully contribute towards our relief. We wish their |
to be rewarded in this world, and in the world to comci
with life eternal. May we all be united in our fervenl
prayers to the great Governor of the universe, that we ma}'
wisely improve this dispensation of Providence, and in due
time have our privileges restored, and continued to thei
latest posterity.

I am, in behalf of the Committee, Gentlemen, your mosl!
humble servant,

Jona. Mason.

LETTER FROM WESTMORELAND COUNTY.

Westmoreland Count)/, Virginia, \0th Feb. 1775.
Gentlemen,

I have the pleasure of inclosing a bill of lading foi
one thousand and ninety-two bushels of grain, furnishec
by this County for the use of our distressed friends an
fellow subjects, the poor of Boston. The universal opinior
entertained here, of the real wisdom and firmness witl
which your unjustly oppressed Town has defended th(
common rights of British America, as well as its own, can
not fail to continue it the assistance and support of this
place, and we doubt not but that the same just sense of th(
sufferings, wisdom and spirit of Boston, will secure it the
united friendship and support of all North America. The
bearer, Capt. Sam'l Leighton, is desired to bring with hin
your receipt, or that of any Committee that may be ap
pointed, for distribution of these supplies, that we may b(
certain here of this contribution having reached its propel
destination.

My most earnest wishes, gentlemen, are for the speed}
restoration of your and the general rights of America
which have been violated with so high and arbitrary '<■
hand. Should any important intelligence from Great Brit

Reply to Westmoreland County. 239

iin, concerning America, have reached you, I should be
;lad to be favored with it by return of the bearer.

I am, Gentlemen, with great respect, your most obedient
servant,

John Augustine Washington.

To the Hon. John Hancock, the Hon. Thorn's dishing, and Sam'l
Adams, Esq., Boston.

REPLY TO WESTMORELAND COUNTY.

Boston, 21 March, 1775.
Fo Jno. Augustine Washington, Esq.
Sir,

1 have before me your letter of the 10th of February,
ire (ted to Mr. Hancock, Mr. Gushing* and myself, inclos-
lg a bill of lading- for one thousand and ninety-two bushels
f grain, being a generous donation sent by the inhabitants
f Westmoreland County, in Virginia, to the sufferers
i this Town by the Boston Port Bill. Soon after that bar-
arous edict arrived, our inhabitants had notice of the kind
mentions of our brethren of the other Colonies, towards
hem, and they appointed a Committee to receive and dis-
ribute such donations as should be made. I have their
irection to request that you would be pleased to return
heir grateful acknowledgments to our worthy friends in
pur County, for this very liberal contribution, and to as-
sure them that it will be disposed of agreeable to their
enevolent design.
Your candid opinion of the inhabitants of this Town, as
aving some share in defending the common rights of Brit-
h America, cannot but be very flattering to them, and it
'ill excite in them a laudable ambition, by their future
Dnduct, to merit the continuance of it. They are unjustly
jpressed, but, by the smiles of Heaven and the united
iendship and support of all North America, the designs
• our enemies to oblige them to make base compliances,
the injury of our common cause, have been hitherto
ustrated. They bear repeated insults of the grossest
;nd, not from want of the feelings of just resentment, or
>ilit enough to make ample returns, but from principles

240 Letter from La Ckiniey.

of sound policy and reason. Put your enemy in the wrong,
and keep him so, is a wise maxim in politics, as well as in
war. They consider themselves as connected with a great
continent, deeply interested in their patient sufferings.
They had rather, therefore, forego the gratification of re-
venging affronts and indignities, than prejudice that all
important cause which they have so much at heart, by pre-
cipitating a crisis. When they are pushed by clear neces- j
sity for the defence of their liberties, to the trial of arms,
I trust in God, they will convince their friends and their [
enemies, of their military skill and valor. Their constant j
prayer to God is, to prevent such necessity ; but they are
daily preparing for it. I rejoice with you, Sir, in mostj
earnestly wishing for the speedy and full restoration of the |
rights of America, which are violated with so high and!
arbitrary a hand, and am, in behalf of the Committee, with]
great respect,

Your obliged and affectionate friend and countryman,

Sam'l Adams.

P. S. — Our last accounts from Great Britain, are of the|
19th December.

LETTER FROM LA CHINIEY.

La Chiniey, Wth Feb. 1775.
Mr. David Jeffries.

Sir,

I was last fall favored w T ith your letter per Capt. Bray,
(in behalf of the Committee for the reception of Dona-
tions for the Town of Boston,) acknowledging the receipt
of a small quantity of wheat, shipped by Capt. Howes, for
the distressed poor of your unhappy place, which letter
have only time to acquaint you I shew to the different sub-
scribers, and was very satisfactory to them all. The glori-
ous stand the inhabitants of the Town of Boston have
made in so good a cause, renders them the just objects oi
admiration to their greatest enemies, and must be a subject

Letter from Littleton. 241

of honor and praise to the latest posterity. Our (single)
press, in this Province, is under such restraints that it is
impossible to expose any thing in the papers, to open the
eyes of these poor deluded people.

I sincerely wish it was in my power to give much greater
proofs of my real attachment to the cause in which my
oppressed fellow townsmen are engaged, than I have yet
been able to, but, depend I shall miss no opportunity that
may hereafter offer.

I have the honor to be, with clue respect, Sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,

Jonas Clark Minot.

LETTER FROM LITTLETON.

Littleton, 13th February, 1775.
Gentlemen,

By the bearer, I send as per amount inclosed, and
desire you will send a receipt, (as all have some enemies.)
I wish the donation had been larger ; but our principal men
give nothing. You have many friends in this Town, but
are not able to do much for you. I would have you put in
the papers, received so much from Littleton, as a few of
us would be glad to support the credit of the Town.

I am, wishing you a speedy deliverance from all your
difficulties,

Your most humble servant,

Robert Harris.
To the Committee for receiving Donations at Boston.

REPLY TO LITTLETON.

Boston, Feb. I6tk, 1775.
Mr. Robt. Harris.

Sir,

The Committee of Donations have directed me to
acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 13th inst, as also
the sum of four pounds, 3/0£, twenty-six and a quarter
bushels of rye, one handkerchief, half pound of pinks flow-
ers, and the carting the rye to this place, being the dona-

4th s. — vol. iv. 31

242 Letter from Hatfield.

tion of a number of the inhabitants of Littleton, raised
by subscription for the kind and benevolent purpose of
relieving the distressed sufferers in this Town, occasioned
by the shutting up the Port. We are greatly indebted to
our many and generous friends for the assistance afforded
to us in this day of our distress, and would particularly
return our sincere and hearty thanks to the charitable and
benevolent subscribers above mentioned, and shall not fail
of publishing it agreeable to your desire.

We are, with respects, your obliged friend and humble
servant, J N0 . Soley, Per order.

LETTER FROM HATFIELD.

To Mr. Sam?! Adams, Chairman of the Committee for receiving and
distributing Donations for the relief of the suffering poor in
Boston, fyc.
Sir,

In the name and behalf of the friends of liberty in the
Town of Hatfield, we herewith send you part of the col-
lection which w T e have made for our suffering friends and
countrymen in our once happy and nourishing metropolis.
We send it as a tribute due to the constitution of our coun-
try, and for an encouragement to you to persevere in your
perilous duty. Were our numbers and abilities equal to
our sincere wishes, you should long since have been re-
lieved from the burdens and distresses brought upon you
by the unparalleled cruelty and oppression of the Port Bill.
We sensibly feel and resent the indignity put upon you
by an arbitrary ministry and Parliament. We view the
attack made upon you as a blow aimed at the vitals of this
loyal Colony. You have become the butt of ministerial
indignation, from your firm and determinate resistance of
the encroachments of despotic power. We consider you,
notwithstanding the calumnies of your and our enemies,
as martyrs for the laws and liberties of your country ;
first devoted, because first in the manly struggle. We
should esteem it an honor to be thought your firm and un-
shaken friends in this contest, like those which heretofore
have been the establishment, defence and security of the

Letter from 1 hit field. 243

rights of every free state since the birth of time — a contest
with tyrants — a contest in which, by the protection of Al-
mighty God, we hope to be willing, when called, to hazard
our all in this life for the maintenance of those privileges,
civil and sacred, with which he hath intrusted us, and
which are now invaded by the iron hand of oppression. We
think that the firmness, the union, the constancy and per-
severance of the body of the people in this town and
neighborhood may be relied on. The attempts of court
writers, and their abettors, to dishearten and divide, are
seen and despised, and under God we hope to be of good
courage in the defence of our religion, our wives, our chil-
dren, our little ones, and the estates with which we are
invested. Every new attack, every reinforcement of the
army of our oppressors, inspires our hearts with additional
ardor.

We arc daily more and more convinced of the ambitious
views of those wicked men who are attempting to parcel
out our properties amongst themselves and their adherents ;
and until we are convinced that the doctrine of implicit
obedience and absolute subjection to the will of rulers, is a
doctrine of God, we humbly resolve to acknowledge no
master superior to our constitution. Our hearts, our hands,
our purses are with you in this righteous cause. Brethren,
be of good courage, persevere to do and to suffer for your
country. Faint not under the threatenings and violence of
bloody men. We trust that He who is mighty to save,
whose ears arc open to the cries of the oppressed, will in
due time arise and plead our cause, and carry headlong all
the evil devices of our subtle and relentless enemies.

Brethren, our hearts' desire is to live or die with you in
the defence of what we hold so dear and sacred to all free
Americans.

We are, worthy Sir, your friend and fellow sufferers,

David Wait,
Eleazer Alles,
James Potter,
Dan'l W t hite,
Seth Muzzey,

Donation £12: 15: 3, cash. By the hands of Mr. Nath'l Searl, Hatfield,
February 14th, 1775.

Committee of the Town

of Hatfield, for making

(, Collections for the Poor

r of the Towns of Boston

md Charlestown, suffer-

ng by the Port BUI.

244 Letter from Frederick Toivn.

LETTER FROM FREDERICK TOWN.

Frederick Town, Frederick County,
Maryland, 11th Feb. 1775. *

To the Horfble Thos. Gushing, Esq.

Sir,

We, the Committee for the middle part of Frederick
County, Maryland, have this day forwarded £200 currency,
to Messrs. William Lux and Samuel Purviance, of Balti-
more, who are directed to forward the same to you for the
relief of the poor of your place, either in specie or bills,
as may appear to them most advisable. A line from you
acknowledging the receipt of this money, will oblige the
Committee, as it will serve to convince the people from
whom it was collected, that it has been applied to its
proper use.

Signed per order and in behalf of the Committee,

John Hanson, President.

REPLY TO FREDERICK TOWN.

Boston, March 15 th, 1775.

To Mr. Jno. Hanson, in Frederick Town, Maryland.

Sir,

I am to acknowledge your letter of the 17th of February
last, directed to Mr. Cushing, who is a member of the
Committee appointed by this Town to receive and distribute
the donations from our friends to the sufferers by the Act
of Parliament, commonly called the Boston Port Bill, and
to acquaint you that agreeable to your directions, Mr. Sam'l
Purviance, Jr., has remitted, in a bill of exchange, the sum
of two hundred pounds, your currency, being a contribution
from the gentlemen of the Middle Division of Frederick
County, in Maryland, for that charitable purpose. You
will be pleased to return the hearty thanks of our Com-
mittee to those gentlemen for this generous donation, and
to assure them that it will be applied to its proper use.

Letter to Shrewsbury. 245

It will doubtless afford them satisfaction to be informed

that their brethren in this place endure the Bufferings in-
flicted upon them by that unrighteous and barbarous edict,
with patience and fortitude, and that they will continue to
bear oppression, and count it all joy so to do, rather than
stain their own reputation by a base compliance with the
demands of arbitrary power.

With very great regard, I am, in behalf of the Commit-
tee, your obliged and affectionate friend and countryman,

S. Adams, Chairman.

[Per post.]

L E T T E R T O S H It E W S B U It Y .

Boston, Feb. 18, 17 7o.
Capt. Ezra Be a man.

Sir,

Permit us to return, through you, our unfeigned
thanks to the worthy inhabitants in the North Parish,
• Shrewsbury, for the very acceptable and generous donation
of fifty-three bushels rye and corn, for the distressed inhab-
itants of this poor, devoted Town, who are now groaning
under the iron rod of oppression. The kind reliefs afforded
us by our brethren in this and the other Colonies, the har-
mony subsisting through this wide and extensive continent,
actuate us to maintain a steady and firm conduct through
every trial, (though ever so severe,) and a determination in
us to risk even life itself to defend our just rights and
privileges. The wicked designs of our enemies have hith-
erto, through divine goodness, been baffled, and may they
meet with the just indignation of a much injured people,
both on this and the other side of the Atlantic, is our sin-
cere prayer ; and we flatter ourselves the time is not far
distant, that tenfold vengeance will fall on the vile perpe-
trators of this more than horrid barbarity, in their vain
attempts of depriving us the means of subsistence 1 . How-
ever, we esteem it a kind interposition of Providence, that
the hearts of our brethren are opened so liberally for our

246 Reply to Northborongh.

reliefs, which without their assistance we must have fallen
a prey to a wicked and abandoned ministry.

We now inclose you the proceedings of our Committee,
as also a vindication of our much injured characters, which
we hope will be acceptable. Please to present our best
regards to the worthy inhabitants of Shrewsbury, and are,
with much esteem, your friends and humble servants,

Jno. Avery, |gS3j£*

REPLY TO NORTHBOROUGH.

Boston, Feb. 20, 1775.

Gentlemen,

Though however grievous the Port Bill and the many
other oppressive Acts are to this poor devoted Town, yet
the kindness and sympathy manifested by our brethren on
this continent, and particularly by our respectable friends
in Northborough, demands our sincerest gratitude, and will
animate us to persevere even under more severe trials.
The kind relief afforded us by our worthy brethren, gives I
us a convincing proof that our conduct merits their appro-
bation ; and while we have your sanction, we shall not
do anything unworthy the cause we are engaged in, but I
continue firm and unshaken, and if we should be obliged
to make our last appeal, we make no doubt of having
the support of the whole continent. The wicked schemes
formed against us by an abandoned ministry, have met \
hitherto with little success. They vainly imagined that we |
should be intimidated, when they sent us the cruel Port
Bill, attended with a formidable fleet and army, but the
contrary effect is evident. Our spirits have arose in pro-
portion to the many insults we have received by that cruel
hand of power, and we cannot help esteeming it a great |
interposition of divine Providence, that one soul actuates
this wide and extensive continent, and the greatest harmony
prevails, and a determination to defend those rights which
God and nature has given us, at the hazard of life. The
plan of the present ministry needs no comment ; their

Letter from Sutton. 247

iniquitous designs are plain and evident ; that should they
succeed, which God forbid, slavery would be the conse-
quence, this good land would be divided into lordships, and
instead of being masters, we should be servants to as an
abandoned set of men as the earth ever produced. Our
enemies leave no stone unturned to sow dissensions and
create animosities among the different Towns in this Prov-
ince ; therefore it is incumbent on us to guard against their
base attempts, and firmly unite in one glorious struggle,
relying on that Being who governs the universe with infi-
nite wisdom and goodness, to relieve us in his own due
time.

We herewith inclose you the proceedings of our Com-
mittee, as also a vindication of our much injured characters,
which we hope will prove acceptable. Our good friend
Mr. Gillam Bass, who presented us with your generous
donation, has examined our books, and to him we refer you
for particulars, and hope the information he will be pleased
to give you will be sufficient to erase from your minds the
impressions made by our worthless enemies.

With our best regards presented to the w T orthy inhabi-
tants of Xorthborough, we are, with great esteem, Gentle-
men, your obliged friends and humble servant,

T-vrv A vi?t)v Tv S P er order of the Com-
JiNO. AVMY, «J1.,| mittee of Donations.

To Messrs. Gillam Bass, Hen'y Gascheth, and Timo. Brigham, of
Norlhborough.

LETTER FROM SUTTON.

Sutton, February 20th, 1775.

To the Committee of Donations for the Town of Boston.

Gentlemen,

These may inform you that the Town of Sutton has
made a small collection for the distressed poor of the Towns
of Boston and Charlestown, and desire you would write to
us, when and where we shall convey it. From your friends
and fellow-sufferers,

Wtt t tc TT \ t t S In Denalf tne Committee of Dona-
l-UL/lb 1A.AL.Lj, tion f or 8ai j Town of g utton .

248 Letters from C. McEvers & Co.

REPLY TO SUTTON.

Boston, April 14, 1775.
To Mr. Willis Hall, at Sutton.

Sir,

Your kind favor of 20th February last came to hand
a few days ago, and the Committee has desired me to
inform you that as the late news from England seems to
forbode that the ministry are determined to enforce measures,
they think it prudent that the collection our worthy friends
in Sutton have made for our really distressed inhabitants, I
might be suspended for about a fortnight, as perhaps we j
may then form a better judgment whether our inveterate [
enemies intend making a farther attempt to subjugate us.
The sympathy of our brethren in this Province, and the I
other Colonies, animates us to stand firm, and to act with \
prudence and circumspection, and hope that the end will
be crowned with success ; however, we submit our cause to
that Being who governs the world with infinite wisdom and
goodness.

Please to present our best regards to our worthy bene-
factors in Sutton, and are, Sir, with much esteem, your
friend and humble servant,

Jno. Avery, Jr.

In behalf of the
Committee.

LETTERS FROM CHARLES McEVERS & CO.

New York, 20th Feb. 1775.
Gentlemen,

We have now to acknowledge the receipt of your ( i
favor of the 7th inst., the purport of which we duly note, j ]
and shall on our first leisure transmit you particulars of |
the rice sent to our charge for the suffering poor at Boston.
For the present, we judge that about a thousand pounds i
may be in hand, for which sum we should be glad to j ,
answer your bills on us. But should any bills offer on 1 1

Letters from C. Mothers fr Co. 249

Boston, which probably may soon be coming from the
southward, we shall embrace the same, as guineas or dol-
lars arc not to he collected with us, and a loss will attend
on remittance in other specie, and our exchange being at
7'2i per cent, we suppose that a great loss would arise on
sterling bills. We shall do ourselves the pleasure of writ-
ing you again by next week's post, when we shall furnish
you with particulars to lay before your Committee, and are
respectfully, Gentlemen, your most obedient servants, for
Philip Livingston and self,

Charles McEvers & Com'y.
To Messrs. Dan' I Waldo and Jno. Brown, at Boston.
[Per post.]

New York, March 9th, 1775.
Messrs. DanH Waldo and Jno. Brown.

Gentlemen,

Our last was of the 21st ult, agreeable to which we
have now to inclose you two bills on account of the suffering
poor at Boston. Our hopes are that we shall soon have
opportunity of investing a further sum on the same account
in good bills on your place, when you will hear further,
with a state of account from, Gentlemen,

Your most obedient servants,

Cha's McEvers & Co.

Jno. Stewart on Gen'l Gage, dated 18th Feb. 1775, No. 34. £737. 15. 10.
James Bruce on N. Coffin, . . . £25. 0. 0. st'g.
Advance, 33£, . . . . 8. 6. 8.

33. 6. 8.
Exchange do 11.2.2. 44. 8.10.

£782. 4. 8.

New York, March 16th, 1775.
I Messrs. Waldo and Brown.

Gentlemen,

Our last was of the 9th instant, covering bills for
£782. 4. 8., for account of the poor at Boston. The pres-
4th s. — vol. iv. 32

250 Reply to C. McEvers & Co.

ent serves to convey to you the further sum of £246 13. 2,
for the same purpose, in bills as at foot, all which we hope
will be duly honored, and are, Gentlemen,

Your most obedient servants,

Cha's McEvers & Com'y.

P. B. Lemoult, dated 8th Jan., 1775, on Gen'l Gage, . . £.186. 10. 9.

do. do. on Major William Sheriff, . . . 33. 5. 2.

Jno. on do. Feb. 7th, . . 26. 17. 3.

£246. 13. 2.

REPLY.

Boston, March 25, 1775.
To Philip Livingston, Esq. and Charles McEvers, Esq. and CowHy.
Gentlemen,

Your several favors of the 20th February, 9th and 16th
March, we duly received. The first advising the receipt of
ours of 7th February, and acquainting us with the loss
that would attend any remittance made in money or sterling
bills.

The two latter inclosing the following bills :

Jno. Stewart's bill on General Gage, .... £737. 15. 10.
James Bruce's do. on Nat. Coffin, £25 sterling, equal to . 44. 8. 10.
R. B. Lemoult's do. on General Gage, .... 186. 10. 9.
Said Lemoult's do. on William Sheriff, Esq., £33. 5. 2. . 35. 5. 2.
Jno. Caldvvel's do. on do 26. 17. 3.

New York currency, £1,030. 17. 10.
All which are accepted, and that for £186. 10/9, paid.

We, in the name and behalf of the Committee, return
you thanks for the care you have taken in remitting the
above sum, without that loss which might have attended
any other mode ; and when you are in cash, shall take it as
a favor if you will make remittance in the same manner, if
such bills are to be purchased ; if not, you will please to
advise us, as perhaps we may have an opportunity of dis-
posing of a sum here, and drawing on you for the amount.

In behalf of the Committee, we are, your most obliged
friends and fellow-countrymen,

Dan'l Waldo, > Two of the
Jno. Brown, \ Committee.

Letter from Preston. 251

UK PLY TO CHI LM ARK.

Boston, Feb. 21, 1775.

James Athcm, Esq.

The generous and patriotic spirit which the worthy
Inhabitants in Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, have mani-
fested in their kind relief afforded this poor, devoted Town,
now struggling under the most cruel and arbitrary hand of
power, merits our sincerest gratitude, as well as our high-
est esteem ; and it is with pleasure we can inform you that
the same nohle principle of public virtue which actuated
you, has diffused itself not only through this Province, hut
the whole continent. And we cannot help flattering our-
selves that the liberal support granted by our worthy
brethren to this distressed Town, will be the means (under
Providence) of establishing those rights and privileges
which we are determined never to give up, though at the
risk of life. Be assured, Sir, we esteem it a kind interpo-
sition of Providence, that the hearts of our brethren are
opened so liberally for our relief, and only wish it might
be in our power to make an adequate return, by a steady
and manly resistance to the arbitrary and cruel measures
adopted by administration. Please to accept of our grate-
ful acknowledgments, and may heaven reward you.

We herewith enclose you a copy of our proceedings, as
also a vindication of our much injured characters, which
we hope will be acceptable.

We are, with great esteem and regard, your most humble
servants,

John AvERY,Jr.J p c e r m -1t e t r eef

LETTER FROM PRESTON.

Preston, 22d February, 1775.
Gentlemen,

We have sent you by the bearer, Mr. Oliver Coit, the
small sum of £18. 13. 0, lawful monev ; much short of

;

252 Reply to Preston.

what we expected, and of what is subscribed. Our people
are like mankind in general ; when danger first appears,
they are vastly more apprehensive than they be after it has
continued some time, and they do not feel no immediate
bad effect ; and the false reports that have been propa-
gated respecting the misimprovement of the donations, have
made some doubting sort of people delay ; but we keep
subscriptions open, and conclude so to do, and to take any
thing that will be useful for your poor, and shall remit
them to you as opportunities will allow.

"We would not be understood that our people are not
firm in the grand cause, for we have lately had evidence to
the contrary. We had a town meeting, to give our repre-
sentatives instructions, and their instructions were to raise
an army in this Colony, of five or six thousand men, imme-
diately, and to be kept as an army of observation, and we
had not one dissenting voice to the contrary. We shall
always take it as a particular favor from you, to be informed
when any new occurrences happen, either for good or evil,
towards you as a people, for we do really look on ourselves
on the same bottom with you. We have the curiosity to
know what numbers of land forces there are now quartered
in your Town. Pray inform us in your next.

We are, Gentlemen, your very humble servants,

T) /"i I In behalf and per order of the

-Oi^lN • ^ Ui -L i \ Committee of Correspondence.

To the Committee of Correspondence in the Town of Boston.

REPLY TO PRESTON.

Boston, Uh March, 1775.
To Mr. Benfn Coit, at Preston.

Sir,

We received by the hands of our good friend, Mr.
Oliver Coit, your kind favor, attending a generous donation
of £18. 13/ for our suffering poor, which we gratefully
acknowledge. The kind expressions of tenderness for this
poor devoted Town animates us to continue firm under the
most severe trials, and a determination in us to maintain
and support the glorious cause we are embarked in ; and

'Reply to Preston

■)\

while we have the aid and assistance of our worthy brethren
on the continent, our troubles are greatly alleviated. The
observation you make on the tempers of mankind in gen-
eral, is just, and their apprehensions increase in proportion
as they are more immediately affected ; but it is with
pleasure we have seen and experienced a union of senti-
ment through tli is wide and extensive continent, and in an
especial manner in our worthy brethren in Connecticut,
whose exertions in the common cause have made the deep-
est impressions on our minds.

We do not wonder that some of our brethren have been
imposed upon, when our inveterate enemies have left no
stone unturned to vilify and abuse a Committee who give
their whole time, without fee or reward, to serve their dis-
tressed fellow citizens, which you will perceive by the
inclosed. We ought to be very cautious and circumspect,
and lest we should be imposed upon by wicked and design-
ing men, whose feeble attempts to enslaven have hitherto,
through kind Providence, proved abortive.

We are well pleased to find that our brethren in Connecti-

i cut are vigilant, and are exerting themselves for their protec-
tion and defence, and we can with pleasure inform you that

l the same spirit actuates this wdde and extensive continent,
and a determination to risk life and every valuable enjoy-
ment, rather than give up our just rights and privileges.
The ministry thought to affrighten us by sending a cruel
Port Bill, attended with a formidable fleet and army, and
dragoon us into a compliance to their iniquitous acts; but

' they are disappointed, and we flatter ourselves the proceed-
ings of our worthy Continental Congress, will open the
eyes of the nation. The number of regiments in Boston,
are twelve, but from the best information we can get, they
have not more than three thousand men ; for what with
desertions and deaths, they are much reduced.

Please to present our best regards to our worthy breth-
ren in Preston, who have so liberally relieved this poor
distressed Town ; and may Heaven reward you.

We are, with much esteem, your obliged friend and
humble servants,

John Avery, Jim., I^T^IZ^

254 Letter from Plympton.

LETTER FROM NATHANIEL GOODWIN.

Plymouth, 25 February, 1775.
To the Committee of Dojiations.
Gentlemen,

Inclosed you find a letter from the Deacon of the
South Precinct in Plympton, the Pev'd Mr. Howland's
parish, together with four pounds, three shillings, lawful
money. By their desire I send it per Capt. Benjamin
Wormwell, being the first opportunity. Wish safe to
hand, and remain ready to do any service in my power.
I am, Gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,

Nath'l Goodwin.

letter from plympton.

Plympton, 22d Feb. 1775.
To the Committee of Donations.
Gentlemen,

I herewith send you four pounds, three shillings, law-
ful money, being what we have collected for the suffering
poor in the Town of Boston, for which we beg your ac-
ceptance, q tu-tt-pt T rrr \ o S Deacon of the South

O AM U 1YL J_i U LAb, | parish in Plympton.

REPLY TO PLYMPTON.

Boston, March 3, 1775.
To Deacon Samuel Lucas, of the South Precinct in Plympton.
Sir,

The generous exertions of our brethren in the coun-
try, in their maintaining the cause of freedom, and the
kind assistance afforded to the inhabitants of this Town,
now struggling under the most cruel oppression, impresses
our minds with the sincerest gratitude, and animates us in
our resolutions never to forfeit your good esteem by tamely
submitting to that power w T hich all good men must think
it their duty to oppose, by every legal and justifiable
measure. The repeated insults we have received since
the oppressive Port Bill has taken place, has only served
to unite us, by every tie of social affection, and we have

Letter front Philadelphia.

ZDO

the pleasure to inform you that one soul actuates this wide
and extensive continent. The cause we are engaged in, is
righteous and worth contending for; and were we to suiter
still greater afflictions, and more severe than what an
[in]famous administration could possibly impose on us,
we should not give up our rights ; those rights which God
and nature have given. We esteem it a great interposition
of Divine Providence, that the hearts of our brethren are
so liberally disposed for our relief; and Ave cannot help
iattering ourselves, that with your kind assistance we shall
be able 4 to baffle the weak and wicked designs of our
enemies.

Please to accept of our sincere acknowledgments for
your generous donation of four pounds, nine shillings,
which we shall apply to the needy and greatly distressed
inhabitants. We herewith inclose you the method we
have taken to employ the poor, as also a vindication of our
much injured characters.

With our best respects presented to the worthy inhabit-
ants of the South Precinct in Plympton, we are, with
much esteem, your obliged friends and humble servants,

J vn A vt?dv Tun | Per order of the Com-
JN O . A>LtU, O UI1. mittee of Donations.

LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA.

Philadelphia, 23d February ', 1775.
To J Villi am Phillips, Esq.
Sir.

By order of the Committee of the City and Liberties
of Philadelphia, we have shipped three tons of bar iron,
three tons of rod iron, and three hundred barrels of flour,
to your care, on board brig Union, Capt. Samuel Williams.
These goods are part of the donations of this City, &c, to
your Town, and are all that Capt. Williams could take.
The goods are insured, and the brig is expected to sail by
26th inst.

We are, respectfully, your friends,

Benja. Marshall.
S \muel Masse y.
Jon a. B. Smith.

256 Letter from Bradford.

REPLY TO BROOKLINE.

Boston, 1 March, 1775.

To the Selectmen of the Town of BrooMine.

Gentlemen,

We have to acknowledge the receipt of £25. 7. 6 J,
in cash, by the hands of our worthy friend Mr. John
Heath, also wood, mutton, rice, corn, &c, it being the
very generous donation of the Town of Brookline, to this
devoted place, who are now suffering the severity of minis-
terial vengeance, for nobly exerting themselves in the glo-
rious cause of American liberty. We trust that by the
blessing of Heaven, and the kind assistance of our sympa-
thizing and benevolent brethren, in this and the other
Colonies, we shall be enabled to stand firm, (as we have
hitherto done,) to the disappointment and disgrace of the
enemies of America and the liberties of mankind. Accept
of our grateful thanks for this mark of your affection and
sympathy towards us in our unhappy situation.

I am, with due acknowledgments for the care you have
taken, in the name of the Committee, Gentlemen,

Your obliged friend and servant,

Thomas Crafts, Jun.

March 8. A copy of this was sent to Jeduthan Baldwin, and the Committee
of Brookfield, acknowledging the receipt of 30 bushels rye, 14 bushels corn,
£ bushel beans, 18 cheeses, by Moses Ayers and Jno. Wait.

LETTER FROM BRADFORD.

Bradford, 3 March, 1775.
To the Committee of Donations.

Gentlemen,

We the subscribers, being chosen by the Town of
Bradford to make some collections for our suffering
brethren of the Town of Boston, and considering it our
interest as well as our duty to promote the public cause of
freedom, against those that would enslave us, we have

Letter from ( 3 'or ham . 257

cheerfully accepted of tlic^ employment, and do herewith

transmit the same by our trusty friend, Mr. Phineas Carl-
ton, being the small sum of 4*19. 4/5, in cash, together
with thirty-four pair shoes ; at the same time earnestly
wishing that the spirit of benevolence that runs through
the continent, may keep pace with the sufferings of our
distressed brethren, until lie who hears the cries of the
oppressed, shall be pleased to deliver an afflicted people.

From your most humble servants,

Abraham Parker.
Thos. Morse.
Obadiah Kimball.

L E T T E R E ROM G O R II A M .

G or ham, March 6th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

The bearer, Capt. Isaac Danks, waits on you with a
small sloop load of wood, about thirty cord, one half of
which he is to have for freight, the other half is for the
needy poor of your oppressed Town. We intended to
have sent you double this quantity, but being above a
dozen miles from any harbor, and the road rendered im-
passable with either sleds or carts, we are unluckily pre-
vented. We lament the unhappy situation of our brethren
in Boston, unjustly suffering the weight of ministerial
vengeance ; and though our purses cannot afford them
much relief, our persons are ready to support them, undis-
mayed by any danger to which our enemies would expose
us. We sincerely wish you the rewards of Heaven for
your unprecedented patience in such a trial. May that
almighty Being who governs all the earth, smile on your
endeavors to preserve our country from impending ruin.

We are, Gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble
servants,

f^A-D-ir T\r/-.T-oTT iv I In behalf of the Committee
V_'ARY IUCEiELLAN, j f the Town of Gorham.

4th s. — vol. iv. 33

258 Reply to Gorham and Others.

REPLY TO GORHAM AND OTHERS.

Copy of a Letter sent to James Boise of Milton, Col. Lemuel Robin-
son of Dorchester, and Mr. Cary McLellan of Gorham Town,
acknoivledging receipt of wood.

Sir,

I am directed by the Committee appointed by this
Town to receive and distribute the charitable donations of
our worthy and patriotic brethren, to return their hearty
thanks to the Town of for their oenerous donations

of loads of wood.

We have great cause of thankfulness to the great benefi-
cent Being, for stirring up the hearts of our worthy brethren
in this and the other governments, to contribute so liberally
towards the necessity of the industrious inhabitants of this
Town, reduced to the necessity (in support of the common
cause of liberty) of living on the charity of others, many
of whom, before the cruel Port Bill took place, had it in
their power, and took pleasure in relieving the wants of
their distressed brethren.

This Town is in truly distressed circumstances, and the
effects of the Port Bill more sensibly felt at this season of
the year, for want of employment in many branches of
business, than in the summer season ; and was it not for the
seasonable supply we receive from our worthy friends, we
should not be able to bear up under our burthen. But
through the good hand of God upon us, we have been
hitherto supported, and we trust he will support us till the
enemies of America, seeing their attempts to enslave her
fruitless, shall cease to persecute and leave her in the full
enjoyment of her rights and privileges.

I am, in behalf of the Committee,

Your most humble servants,

D. Waldo.

P. S. — The Committee return you their grateful acknowl-
edgments, for the care and trouble you have taken in the
collection and management of this donation.

Letters from Gloucester. 259

REPLY TO 1) U X B V R Y.

Boston, 7 March, 1775.

To Mr. George Partridge, at Duxbury, to be communicated to the

Town.
pENTLEMEN,

The sympathy of our brethren in Duxbury, to the
poor, distressed inhabitants of this Town, demands our sin-
cere gratitude, and we now embrace this opportunity to
acknowledge the receipt of twenty-one cords wood, which
is a seasonable relief to our suffering poor. The kindness
and generosity of our brethren in this and the other Colo-
nies, revives our spirits and induces us to remain firm and
steady ; and we are determined to suffer still greater dis-
tress, rather than give up our rights and privileges.

Inclosed you have a copy of our proceedings with re-
spect to the employment of our poor, as also a vindication
of our much injured characters, which we hope will prove
satisfactory.

Please to present our best regards to the worthy inhabi-
tants of Duxbury for their liberality, and only wish it might
be in our pow r er to make a return adequate to your good-
ness.

We are, Gentlemen, with great esteem, your much
obliged friend and humble servant,

Jno. Avery, Jr., Per order.

LETTERS FROM GLOUCESTER.

Gloucester, 8th March, 1775.
Gentlemen,

Inclosed you have an account of three bags of cocoa,
containing 257 wt. being the amount of ten pounds which
I received in Dominica, the particulars of which, you now
receive per Mr. Isaac Smith. The cocoa I have in my
hands, and am ready to deliver it to your order.
I am, Gentlemen, your humble servant,

William Pearson.
To the Committee of Correspondence in Boston,

260 Reply to Gloucester.

Gloucester, \0th March, 1775.
To the Committee of Donations.

Gentlemen,

The inhabitants of the Town of Gloucester, being
deeply affected at the distresses your Town of Boston is
cruelly laid under, have by subscription, raised the sum of
£116. 18. 74., which we transmit to you by the hands of
Isaac Smith, Esq., to be applied for the relief of the poor
of said Town.

We are, Gentlemen, your humble servants,

John Low, 1 & 7 J
T » selectmen

Jacob Allen, I ~

James Porter, [ ril *■ J
, -r, Gloucester.

DAM L lxOGERS, J
REPLY TO GLOUCESTER.

Boston, March 11th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

Your kind favor of the 10th instant, by our good
friend Isaac Smith, Esq., have received, attending the gen-
erous sum of £117. 7. 1., for the relief of the truly dis-
tressed inhabitants of this Town, which shall be applied
agreeable to the benevolent intention of the donors ; and
with hearts as deeply affected, we acknowledge the kind
hand of Providence, who has so liberally disposed the
hearts of our brethren in this and the other Colonies, to
support our suffering poor, who, without that aid and
assistance which they have generously afforded us, we
should have, ere this, become a prey to ministerial ven-
geance, and perhaps have been doomed to submit to an
impious and as an abandoned set of men as the world ever
produced. But we flatter ourselves, that the time is not
far distant, that the patience, virtue, and fortitude of the
sons of freedom in this western world, will arise superior
to the vile and wicked schemes that have been adopted to
subjugate us.

The more than savage cruelty of our parent state
toward this poor, devoted Town, cannot be paralleled in

Letter from Falmouth. 261

history. Our enemies are numerous, they leave no stone
unturned to accomplish their accursed designs, but they
have hitherto proved abortive. They vainly imagined that
the formidable measures they had taken, by sending their
fleet and army, that we should be awed into a compliance;
but our spirits have been roused in proportion to the insults
and abuse we have received, which have been many and
aggravated ; but prudence has dictated to us to be steady
and firm, to suffer still greater trials of patience, which
mav the Parent of nature and of every good enable us to
go through with.

Please to present our best regards to the worthy inhabi-
tants of the Town of Gloucester, and are, with great esteem,

Your much obliged friends and humble servant,

Jno. Avery, Jr.

To Messrs. John. Low, and others, Selectmen of the Town of Gloucester.

LETTER FROM FALMOUTH.

Falmouth, Second Parish, called New Casco,

March 11, 1775.
Gentlemen,

We herewith transmit to you, by Capt. Wormell and

Capt. Lock, some wood, which we cheerfully give to our
suffering brethren that are now standing in the gap between
us and slavery. We are but few in number, and of small
ability ; and as we earn our bread by the sweat of our
brow, shall ever hold in utter detestation, both men and
measures that would rob us of the fruit of our toils, and
are ready with our labor, with our lives, and with our
estates, to stand or fall in the common cause of liberty.
And if we fall, we shall die like men and like Christians,
and enjoy the glorious privileges of the sons of God.

This from your humble servants, in behalf of the inhab-
itants of said parish.

Sam'l Cobb, )

Nath'l Carll, > Committee.

James Morrill, )

To Samuel Adams, Esq., Chairman of the icortJiy Committee of the Poor
in Boston.

262 Reply to Falmouth.

REPLY TO FALMOUTH.

Boston, 23 March, 1775.

To Capt. Sam'l Cobb, Nath'l Carll, and James Merrill, at Falmouth.

Gentlemen,

Last evening your favor of 11th inst. directed to Mr.
Saml Adams, Chairman of the Committee of Donations,
came to hand. Your contributions towards the relief and I
encouragement of the poor in this Town, suffering by
means of the Boston Port Bill, are received, viz., sixteen
and seven eights cords of [wood] per Capt. Worm ell, and
fourteen more by Capt. Lock. Our grateful acknowledg-
ments are first due to God, nextly to you, our worthy
friends and countrymen, for so generous and seasonable
supplies, under our distressing circumstances. But blessed
be God, we faint not, nor shall we, while he is pleased to I
favor, support and comfort us.

Your letter, though short, is very refreshing. Though
the lines are few, the matter is very comprehensive. What I
could you have said more ? The Committee are greatly
obliged and not a little strengthened. You will please to
accept their sincere thanks for that cordial affection ex-
pressed in your letter, and manifested in a way the most
convincing. May the Lord bless you and reward you a
thousand fold.

Inclosed are printed accounts respecting the Committee's
conduct in the distributions of the charities of our kind
benefactions received. It seems they must pass through
bad as well as good report. None of their enemies have yet
accepted the challenge. The Committee make no pretensions
to infallibility, but they profess to endeavor to act in some
good measure conformable to the intent of the benevolent
donors. We do not, we never did expect to please the
enemies of America ; but we hope to please, and give
satisfaction to our friends. This is what we aim at ; and
while we experience the liberality of our countrymen, we
can never doubt of their candor and good opinion.

What further trials and distresses this oppressed Town,
or America in general, may be called to go through, we
cannot say ; it will be happy to be prepared for all events.

Letter to Samuel Purviance. 263

Some intelligence will doubtless come to hand, shortly,
from which a better judgment may be formed, than can be
at present. However, we are not, nor have we been, with-
out some rays of light amidst all our darkness. We arc
therefore to pray and hope and wait for the salvation of
(Sod.

I am, Gentlemen, your sincere friend and fellow-country-
nitin,

DT VV iM, n , x \ Per order of the Com-
. J 1.1' IKlLh, mittee of Donations.

LETTER TO SAMUEL PURVIANCE.

Boston, March \±th, 1775.
To Mr. Samuel Purviance, Jr., Merchant in Baltimore.

Sir,

I am directed by the Committee appointed by this
Town, to acquaint you that your bill of exchange, drawn
on Jeremiah Lee, Esq., for two hundred pounds Maryland
currency, being the amount of a generous collection made
by the respectable people of the middle division of Frederick
■: County, for the relief of the sufferers by the Boston Port
Bill, is duly received. Be pleased, Sir, to accept of the
Committee's sincere acknowledgments of your kindness in
transacting this affair ; and if it be not too troublesome,
permit me to ask the further favor of you, that a collec-
tion which the Committee are advised is making by our
friends in Cecil County, which will amount to three or four
hundred pounds, may in like manner pass through your
hands.

I am, Sir, with very great regard, in behalf of the Com-
mittee, your obliged and affectionate friend and countryman,

Sam'l Adams.

[Per post.]

LETTER TO DEACON KNOWLES.

Boston, March loth, 1775.
To Deacon Edward Knowhs.
Sir,

Your kind and generous donation of 7. 16/., by the
hand of our good friend Capt. Edward Knowles, for the

264 Letter from Philadelphia.

relief and support of our suffering poor, we have received ;
and permit us to return you our hearty and sincere thanks
for the same. We esteem it a great interposition of divine
Providence, that the hearts of our brethren in this Province
are so liberally disposed, and so generously inclined to suc-
cor us in our struggle with an infamous and abandoned
ministry. We have hitherto, by a manly resistance, baffled
their iniquitous measures, and we cannot but natter our-
selves that, in the end, our endeavors will be crowned with
success ; however, we firmly rely on the goodness of that
Being who governs the world with infinite wisdom and
goodness, that in his own due time he will relieve us from
all our difficulties. It is with pleasure we can inform you
that one spirit actuates this wide and extensive continent, 1
and whose benevolence and sympathy we have largely ex-
perienced.

Inclosed you have the proceedings of this Committee,
which we hope will prove acceptable. Please to return
our sincere acknowledgments, again and again, to our
worthy and benevolent friends at Eastham ; and may God
reward you, is our sincere prayer.

We are, with great esteem, your obliged friends and ser-
vants,

TlVH Avtvtcv Jv J In behalf of the Com-
JJNU. XlVJ^Kl, Jl., mittee of Donations.

LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA.

Philadelphia, March 16, 1775.
William Phillips, Esq.

Sir,

Messrs. Marshall, Masey and myself, were directed by
the Committee of this City and Liberties, to ship further
for your Town ; and having an opportunity per schooner
William, Josiah Gorham, master, you have inclosed a bill
of lading, and on the other side an invoice for 163 barrels
flour, 10 barrels rye meal, and 2 casks bread, per said ves-

Letter from Newport. 265

sel, being part of the donations of this City, &c, for the
distressed people of Boston.

I am, Sir, respectfully, your very humble servant,

Jon a. B. Smith.

The vessel not stowing as many as was expected, the
following fifteen numbers are left out, and will be shipped
bv some other vessel with an addition.

105

108

125

139

102

106

109

134

143

103

107

112

135

101

LETTER FROM NEWPORT.

Newport, Rhode Island, Mar. 17, 1775.
Mr. Jonathan Mason.

Sir,

Your esteemed favor of December 5th, I duly re-
ceived. I have here transmitted you by Mr. Mumford, the
remainder of the subscription in our place, (for the relief
of the poor inhabitants that are immediate sufferers by the
Boston Port Bill,) amounting to £70 10. 2. lawful money.
There are still some few gleanings yet remaining, which,
when received, shall likewise take care to remit them.

Also you have here remitted £5 15. 3. sterling, more,
arising from the sale of goods imported into this Colony
since the continental rules of the Congress took place.

I cannot but condole with you for the loss of your trade,
and impositions you labor under by an over-ruling hand of
a base minister. But by the agreeable news received by
this packet, gives us a glimmering of hopes their schemes
will be confuted and America rendered in a state of free-
dom once more, which is the earnest desire of all ranks of
people that are not under the influence of the base, syco-
phant tools of a minister.

I remain, with much esteem, your assured friend, &c.,

T nT ,.. r. vvrD ( Receiver of Donations for
JOH> JbANNER,] the Poor of Boston.

4th s. — vol. iv. 34

266 Letter from Milford.

LETTER FROM MILFORD.

Milford, March 18th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

We have shipped on board the sloop Friendship,
Joseph Hull, master, for the use of the poor of Boston, as
follows, viz., 21 bushels Indian corn, 10 do. messlin? 215 J
do. rye, 15J do. wheat, 1 barrel beef, being part of the do-
nation of the Town of Milford ; the remainder will [be]
forwarded as soon as possible. The Captain has orders to
deliver them to either of the Committee for receiving such
donations for the uses above mentioned, at Boston, Salem,
or Marblehead, as he does not yet know where he shall dis-
charge his cargo.

We are, Gentlemen, your very humble servants,

John Arnold, }

Noah Baldwin, > Committee.

Nathan Fowles, )

To either of the Committee for receiving donations for the Boston
poor, at Boston, Salem, or Marblehead.

LETTER FROM WINDSOR.

Windsor, March 20th, 1775.
Mr. Jonathan Mason.
Sir,

We being appointed by this Town to receive donations
for the poor of Boston, and as we understand you are one
to receive them, have directed Capt. Snj.th to deliver you
what grain we have collected for that purpose, viz., 391
bushels rye, 89J bushels corn and half barrel of pork.

We are, your humble servants,

James Hooker.
Oliver Mather.

Letter from East Windsor. '207

L E T T E R FROM EAST WINDSOR.

East Windsor, March 22d, 1775.
Gentlemen,

These are to inform you the donations of the inhab-
itants of the Town of East Windsor, in grain, for the
support of the poor of Boston, now suffering under the
operation of the severe oppressive Port Bill. The quantity,
and on whom, and upon what conditions the same is ship-
ped, you will learn by a copy of the master's receipt, which
is sent you inclosed. We rejoice at the patience and forti-
tude of the Town, and Province, under the extreme suffer-
ings of such cruel and oppressive acts, and hope and most
ardently pray, that Heaven will support you till in his
righteous providence he shall see fit to appear for your de-
liverance and cloathe our enemies with shame, and in the
mean time put it and keep it in the hearts of the inhab-
itants of this Town, and all the Tow T ns of the continent,
willingly and cheerfully to bear so small a part of the bur-
thens unjustly brought upon you by those Acts, so threaten-
ing to us all, as to support the poor of your Town in so
just a cause and so glorious a struggle for liberty. You
will accept what this Town has done, though far less than
what some other Towns have, as a testimony of their sym-
pathy with and concern for you, and an encouragement to
expect further help, which the Committee of this Town will
be ever ready industriously to promote.
By order of the Committee,

William Walcott.
To the Overseers of the Poor in Boston.

LETTER FROM FALMOUTH.

Falmouth, March 22d, 1775.
To the Committee of Donations.

Have sent you by Deacon Hansford Smith of Tisbury,
from Deacon Joseph Davis, of said Falmouth, contributed
by us, your friends and fellow countrymen, five pounds,
fifteen shillings and eight pence, from yours,

Joseph Davis.

268 Letter from Providence.

LETTER FROM PROVIDENCE.

Providence, March 31, 1775.

To the Committee for receiving Donations.

Gentlemen,

I herewith send by Mr. Mumford, the post, the re-
maining part of the donation of this Town towards the
relief of the Town of Boston, it being in cash, and amounts
to fifty-one pounds, which together with the sheep hereto-
fore sent to you, including the cost of driving, which was
five dollars, makes the sum voted by this town, which was
one hundred and twenty-five pounds.

I have remaining in my hands the flour and pork sent
from the Jerseys, and cannot as yet dispose of the same
for cash, unless at a very low price. I shall dispose of it
as soon as possible, and transmit to you the cash.

I remain, Gentlemen, yours to serve,

James Angell.

LETTER FROM NEW HAVEN.

New Haven, March 31, 1775.
Gentlemen,

We send you inclosed an account of the charity of
your friends in the Town of New Haven, in Connecticut,
to be distributed among our suffering brethren in Boston,
as their necessities shall require. You will see by the
account inclosed, that some of the grain is from other
Towns. Mr. Townsend, the bearer, will acquaint you con-
cerning the freight of the donations from other Towns, and
all other particulars.

Signed by order of the Committee for collecting donations
for Boston.

Henry Dagget, Clerk.

To the Committee of Ways and Means in Boston.

Letter to John Tanner. *J(i!)

L B T T B R T JOB N T A N N E B .

Boston, March 25th, 177o.

Mr. John Taunt r.

Sir,

Your agreeable favor of the 17th inst. duly came to
hand, with the repeated and generous donation from your
place, of seventy pound, 10/2. lawful money, and five pound,
15 3. sterling, arising from the sale of goods for the benefit
of the poor of this Town, suffering by the cruel Port Bill,
which donations we receive as a sure testimony of your
sympathy for your suffering brethren in this place, and for
the grand cause of American liberty ; for which you have
the most sincere and grateful thanks of this Committee, in
whose behalf,

I am, Sir, your most humble servant,

Jona. Mason.

LETTER TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON.

Boston, March 29th, 1775. 1
' John Augustine Washington, Westmoreland, Virginia.

Sir,

The Committee of donations having employed a num-
ber of our smiths (who were thrown out of business, in

1 There is no acknowledgment in the MS. of the reception of any donations
from England. The Treasurer of the " Constitutional Society " of London, under
the date of March 7, 1775, published, among other letters, the following :

To Richard Oliver, Esq. Sir : I saw in the newspapers that the constitu-
tional society had given an hundred pounds to the distressed inhabitants of
Boston. If the trifle I send herewith is thought worthy of acceptance by the
society, I beg they would apply it to the same purpose ; if not, I desire it may
be returned to the person who will bring the corner that is torn off from this
letter. Most of the gentlemen in my neighborhood are desirous to assist them ;
and if I know it will be acceptable, I will take care to forward their subscrip-
tions to you. Any message given to the person who will bring the torn corner
of this letter, will be faithfully delivered to, Sir, your humble servant,

With twenty pounds.

Another person, for a similar purpose, sent ten pounds ; another, fifteen pounds ;
another, twenty pounds ; and another, ten pounds and four guineas, enclosed in a
cover addressed "to the Bostonians."— Force's Archives, vol. ii. p. 56. [Ed.

270 Letter from Monson.

consequence of the late cruel Acts of Parliament) in making
a parcel of axes and hoes, which were made by the best
workmen and warranted, have by way of trial, consigned
the same to our worthy friend the bearer, Mr. John Tileston,
who is bound for your place.

From the knowledge we have of your firm and hearty
attachment to the grand cause of American liberty, and the
experience we have had of the great benevolence of our
worthy brethren, the noble Virginians, we are encouraged
to take the liberty to request the favor of you, not only to
assist our friend, Mr. Tileston, in the disposal of those axes
and hoes, but also to inform us what prospect there is with
you, of disposing of any quantity of hoes or axes, as we
can have them made here by the best workmen, and agree-
able to any pattern you may forward, and warranted to be
good. Could a sale for those articles be obtained, it would
be the means of giving relief to many of our worthy inhab-
itants of that business, who are suffering greatly in conse-
quence of the late unrighteous and oppressive Acts, as all
our other tradesmen are.

We have full evidence of your sincere and hearty sympa-
thy with us under our present sufferings for the cause of
liberty, and for which you have the most grateful thanks of
the Committee, in whose behalf,

I am, Sir, your most humble servant,

Jona. Mason.

LETTER FROM MONSON.

Monson, April 5th, 1775.
Gentlemen,

We the inhabitants of the small district of Monson,
have sent you by the bearer, a small present, to be dis-
tributed for the relief of the suffering poor of the Town of
Boston, and as a testimonial of our firm adherence to the
great cause which you have so strenuously asserted, and
honorably maintained, in which every thing that is dear to
us is embarked. We would not by any means be found want-

Letter to Robert Towhsend. *2T 1

pig ill affording our utmost assistance to those that arc in-
volved in penury on account of public liberty, and in vindi-
cation of our just rights. We here profess a ready cheer-
fulness to shed our blood to oppose tyranny and oppression;
much more, to part with our substance to relieve our op-
pressed friends. We send this, only as our earnest of what
we design to bestow, if your necessity call. We return you
our warmest thanks for your watchful care and anxious so-
licitude for your country's cause. Reward you Ave cannot —
your reward awaits you in Heaven — be thou faithful to the
death. &c.

From, Gentlemen, your very humble servants,

Benj. Max, )

Ab'l. Goodell, > Committee.

Noah Sabin, )

X. B. — We have eighty stout fellows in this district, a
great part of which are not only disciplined, but excellent
marksmen. I dare be bold to say that at about thirty rod
distance, they would pick up tories as fast as so many hawks
would kick frogs from a frog-pond.

LETTER TO ROBERT TOWNSEND.

Boston. 1th April, 177o.
Capt. Robert Townsend.

Sir,

Your letter directed to Deacon Thomas Greenough,
has been laid before the Committee, who have directed me
to acquaint you that they are very sorry for the trouble you
have with the officers in shifting your cargo ; but any extra
expense that may attend that business, they will readily
allow. This the Committee think will be satisfactory, and
hope they shall soon have the pleasure [of] seeing you in
Boston.

I am, in behalf of the Committee, your very humble
servant,

John Browx, Per order.

272 Letter to Peter Curtenus.

LETTER TO ALEXANDER HODGDON.

Boston, April 21, 1775.

Sir,

The Committee being engaged with the Selectmen and
others in a conference upon our public affairs, I am direct-
ed to transmit to you, a list of Capt. Mark Ferar's cargo
from Virginia, taken from the bills of lading, viz., shipped
by Anthony Walker & Co., one hundred twenty bushels
corn ; do. the Committee of Princess Ann County, 800
bushels Indian ; do. the Committee of Elizabeth City County,
422 bushels corn, 120 bushels peas, and 6 firkins butter.
The freight of all the above being paid in Virginia.

Sir, I am directed to desire you will receive and store
the same (upon the best terms you can) till further orders.

1 am, in behalf, and by order of the Committee, Sir, your
humble servant,

Alex'r Hodgdon, Clerk.

To Mr. Nathan Appleton, at Salem.

P. S. — Inclosed is an order on Chris'r Higgins for sixty
bushels rye, freight not paid. The Committee paid Capt.
Smith six pence per bushel, and would beg the favor you
will likewise store it, and settle the freight with Capt.
Higgins.

Your humble servant, A. H.

LETTER TO PETER CURTENUS.

Boston, July 8, 1776.
Sir,

The Committee for receiving Donations for the poor of
this Town, have received your favor of 27th ult. per Mr.
Andrew Hurd, with the sum of £216. 0. 5. your currency,
which is agreeable to said Hurd's receipt, though your
letter mentions £217. 7. 1. as the net proceeds of 63 casks
rice you received from Georgia. 1 The Committee are desir-

1 On the 10th of August, 1774, at a general meeting of the inhabitants of
Georgia, at Savannah, a committee was appointed "to receive subscriptions

Letter to Peter Curtenus. 273

ous of receiving an account sales of the rice, as also from
whom the rice was sent from Georgia, that they may take
proper notice of their benevolent, sympathizing brethren
there.

I am, Sir, your humble servant,

P. BOYER.

Mr. Peter Curtenus, of New York.

ORDER TO JOHN WHITE.

Boston, September 26, 1775.
Mr. Hodgdon :

Let Mr. John Hoson have £ bushel meal, J bushel
rye, 7 lbs. flour, 14 lbs. bread, 4 lbs. pork, 8 lbs. beef, 4
quarts peas, it being donation.

John White.

[Entered.]

for the suffering poor of Boston." A letter dated St. John's Parish, Sept. 2, 1774,
states that a subscription in that parish had been opened "for the relief of the
unhappy sufferers at Boston," and that this single Parish had already subscribed
to the amount of two hundred barrels of rice, which is to be forwarded by the
Committee of Correspondence."

A letter dated Savannah, December 9, 1774, to a person in Philadelphia, says :
" There are large donations of rice for the sufferers in Boston, and had we the
means of sending it to them, with very little trouble much more would be col-
lected and sent. Few have subscribed less than ten tierces of rice. If no
opportunity offers soon, directly to Boston, it will be sent to your Committee, to
be disposed of for them."

The Darien Committee, January 12, 1775, resolved, "That the unparalleled
moderation, the decent but firm and manly conduct of the loyal and brave people
of Boston and of Massachusetts Bay, to preserve their liberty, deserves not only
the applause and thanks of all America, but also, the imitation of all mankind."

An association entered into by forty-five of the Deputies assembled in Provin-
cial Congress at Savannah, January 18, 1775, resolved, that the profits of all
goods imported in violation of the non-importation agreement and sold by order
of the Committee of the Provincial Congress, should be applied " towards reliev-
ing such poor inhabitants of the town of Boston as are immediate sufferers by
the Port Bill."

The following letter, addressed to the Committee of Donations, is copied from
Force's Archives, vol. ii. 871 :

Savannah, June 1, 1775.

Gentlemen: — Although the inhabitants of Georgia have unfortunately drawn
on themselves the censure of her sister Colonies, by not adopting those measures
which the wisdom of the General Congress have pointed out for the preservation
of the liberties of America ; yet, we flatter ourselves you will believe there are

4th s. — vol. iv. 35

274 Letter to Samuel Hutton.

LETTER TO SAMUEL HUTTON.

Boston, Sept. 9th, 1776.
Mr. Samuel Hutton.
Sir,

The Committee for receiving Donations for the poor
of this Town, have directed me to acknowledge the receipt
of your favor of 16th ult. relating to corn and rye in your
hands, which they desire you will sell for the most you can
get, as they do not choose to run the risk of your sending
it by water. When you are in cash, I doubt not you will
send it by some safe hand. The Committee are very much
obliged for the trouble you have had in this matter, in
whose behalf,

I remain, Sir, your most humble servant,

Peter Boyer,
Of Stamford in Connecticut.

many among us who sincerely espouse the great cause contended for by you ;
and who ardently wish that the noble stand you have made in defence of these
rights, to which, as men and British subjects, we are entitled, may be crowned
with success. The distresses our brethren must unavoidably experience by en-
forcement of the late acts of a cruel and vindictive ministry, deeply affect us.
The unhappy division amongst us, has hitherto prevented our contributing to
their support ; but have now the pleasure to transmit you, by the Juliana, Capt.
Stringham, bound to New York, a small contribution of sixty-three barrels of
rice, and one hundred and twenty-two pounds sterling, in specie, under the care
of John Eaton La Conte, Esq., which we desire you will please appropriate
towards the relief of those who have lately left the town of Boston. We hope
soon to be enabled, by our friends who reside at a distance from Savannah, to i
send you a further token of our regard for you, and those whom misfortune must
increase with the oppressive measures now pursued by administration against
America.

I have the honor to be, on behalf of the contributors, Gentlemen, your most
obedient servant, W. Jones.

To the Gentlemen of the Committee for receiving Donations for the relief of the distressed
inhabitants of Boston.

The Boston Gazette of January 16, 1775, has the following paragraph : " From
the Southern papers we learn, that agreeable to the recommendation of the Grand |
Council of America, the several Colonies, as far as Georgia, were continuing
their collections for the relief of the poor sufferers by the execrable Port-bill.
What can better manifest the union of the Colonies, and their firm affection for
and sympathy for each other, than these donations ; or place in a more striking
point of light, the inhumanity of that parliament which has made such large and
distant charities absolutely necessary to preserve thousands of the inhabitants
from starving." [Ed.

N O T E .

The two papers of the Committee of Donations, vindicating their disposition
of the contributions, which are so often referred to in the above correspondence,
are here copied from the public journals. The first is taken from the Boston
Gazette of September 2li, 1774.

The Committtee (consisting of the following Members, namely,

Mr. Samuel Adams,
John Howe, Esq.
Thomas Boylston, Esq.
William Phillips, Esq.
Doct. Joseph Warren,
John Adams, Esq.
Josiah Quincy, Jun. Esq.
Hon. Thomas Cushing, Esq.
Mr. Henderson Inches,
Mr. William Molineaux,
Mr. Nathaniel Appleton,
Capt. Edward Procter,
Capt. Fortesque Vernon,

Mr. John White,
Mr. Gibbbns Sharpe,
Capt. William Mackey,
Mr. Thomas Greenough,
Capt. Samuel Partridge,
Benjamin Austin, Esq.
Mr. Jonathan Mason.
Mr. John Brown,
Mr. James Richardson,
Mr. Thomas Crafts, Jun.
Mr. Henry Hill,
Mr. Joshua Henshaw, Jun.
Mr. David Jeffries,)

appointed by the town of Boston to receive Donations for the charitable purpose
of relieving and employing the poor, suffering by means of the Act of Parliament,
commonly called the Boston Port Bill, would gratefully acknowledge the receipt
of many generous collections made in several of our sympathizing sister Col-
onies, as well as charitable donations from many Towns in this Province, and
private friends to this cruelly oppressed and patient people.

The Committee consider themselves at all times answerable to their constitu-
ents, and as peculiarly accountable to their munificent benefactors, who ought
ever to have all reasonable satisfaction touching the disposition of their charities.
The trust reposed in the Committee is important, and its discharge extremely
1 arduous. And when the powers and dispositions of those who trouble us are
properly considered, so far from receiving support and aid in the relief of this
i distressed Town, it must be obvious that many unnecessary difficulties and embar-
; rassments would be thrown in the way. Many are the public works (to which
' large grants and subscriptions would cheerfully be made by persons who would
• be peculiarly benefitted thereby) such as the building of a bridge over Charles
river, and another over to Dorchester neck, the erecting of hospitals and other
large and much wanted public edifices, which might be carried on to the imme-
diate and great relief of the poor, if the Province was now blessed with a
constitutional and patriotic Legislature existing within it.

Miserable is the state of that community who have the forms, but not the
powers, of good government : but much more miserable are they who have

276 Colonial Correspondence.

neither. Whoever, therefore, fully considers the difficulties of every sort
with which the Committee have to engage, will view all their actions with an
eye of charity and candor, and will be far from hastily giving credit to the
malicious whispers and slanderous sarcasms of our public enemies. Surely
better evidence than this ought to be given, before Americans should entertain
jealousies, and doubt the integrity, of distant brethren.

In order for the regular conduct of business, for the satisfaction of candid
inquirers, as well as the silencing slanderous reports, the Committee very early
opened a complete set of books, which have been kept in the most regular man-
ner. In them are entered all the donations, as they are received, and from whom ;
together with a fair record of all matters which come before the Committee and
their proceedings thereupon. These books are open every day for the inspection
of all persons.

The Committee, having set several days, and by themselves and their sub-
committees, had various consultations, notified the inhabitants, that they should
attend every afternoon for ten days (Lord's day excepted) for all classes of people
suffering by the Port- Bill, to lay their circumstances before the committee, that
the distressed might (if possible) be employed in their several occupations.
Accordingly, great numbers of various classes applied, especially mechanics and
laborers : of the latter the circumstances of much the greater part called for imme-
diate relief.

In this exigency, several plans were proposed, but they all required time to be
further considered and better digested, before they could be carried into prac-
tice. The only proposal, therefore, which could be carried into execution, with
the speed necessary to give bread and employ to the most indigent laborers, was
the repair and pavement of some of our public streets. This, therefore, it was
thought most eligible to adopt. Accordingly it was proposed to the selectmen
of the Town, (who are surveyors of the streets,) that, if they would engage in
repairing those parts of the Town which most wanted it, that the Committee
of Donations, &c, would contribute towards the payment of the laborers out ot
the donations made for employing the poor. The selectmen acceding to this
eligible way of giving immediate employ and sustenance to necessitous laborers,
numbers of our most indigent inhabitants were by this plan kept from the dan-
gers of idleness, and enabled to earn bread for their present support.

Immediate relief being thus afforded to the indigent, the next consideration of the
Committee was for a method to employ the poor and pay them out of the donations
in such a manner, as that returns might be made into the common stock, which
might serve for their future employ and maintenance. The best plan of this sort,
in the opinion of the Committee, was the erecting a brick yard on part of the
Town's land, well adapted for such a purpose. Accordingly application was forth-
with made, and leave obtained from the Town, for the laying out such a yard on
the Neck ; and the making of bricks therein now employs upwards of an hun-
dred poor every day. These bricks, when burnt, the Committee intend to sell at
the best price they can obtain, and the money arising from the sale will be again
improved in some way the most likely to keep the poor from the distresses of
hunger and the temptations of idleness.

The Committee have agreed to build a house for sale, as soon as materials can
be collected, (which however is extremely difficult, considering the tenor and
mode of putting in execution the Boston Port- Act,) and several vessels will be
set up as soon as the common stock shall be sufficient for the work.

In order to make the employment of the poor as universal as possible, the
Committee have purchased wool, flax and cotton, to be distributed to spinners
and knitters in the Town, and looms are erecting for weaving baizes, cotton and
ijfien.

'ffhe Committee also distribute leather to the shoemakers and take their manu-
facture ^ n P a y anQl w i tn them also pay day laborers.

Th-e Committee are in expectation of nail rods and other raw materials, with

Statement of the Committee. '277

which they hope to employ the blacksmiths and some other tradesmen, in the
severities of the winter.

The Committee have given the above account of their doings, tor the satisfac-
tion of the public, and flatter themselves it will meet with the approbation of the
generous benefactors to tins grievously oppressed and Buffering people. The
Committee attend every day upon the business of their appointment; almost the
whole of their time is taken up in the discharge of their trust. They have no
motive to encourage them in their labors, but the hopes of doing good in this
day of their country's trial and calamity. They shall consider themselves as
happy if they answer the end of their appointment. That they may attain this
end, they ask the advice of the wise and good, and shall ever consider the counsel
of friends to the common cause as deserving their thanks and most mature
consideration.

The Committee take this opportunity to inform the world and especially their
munificent benefactors, that the House of Representatives, at their last session,
having recommended to the Province to make collections for the poor of Boston
and Charlestown, suffering by occasion of the before- mentioned Act, the Town
of Boston early passed a vote, that seven per cent, of all donations transmitted
to this town should be delivered to our brethren of Charlestown, who are
mutually supposed injured in that proportion by the Boston Port-Act.

The regular Overseers of the Poor of this Town still continue their usual care
and supply of the town poor, while this Committee confine (as much as possible)
their attention and relief to such as are reduced to severe sufferings by the
measures of the present administration of Britain, and the grievous mode of
carrying those measures into execution.

Boston, January 13.

The printers in this and the other American Colonies are requested to insert
the following in their several News Papers.

TO THE PUBLIC.

The Committee appointed by the Town of Boston, to receive and distribute
donations for the charitable purpose of relieving and employing the sufferers by
means of the Act of Parliament commonly called the Boston Port-Bill, from a
due regard to their own characters, and that of the Town under whose appoint-
ment they act, as well as for the sake of the said sufferers, who depend upon the
continual beneficence of their friends for necessary relief; think themselves
obliged, in this public manner, to contradict a slanderous report raised by evil
minded persons, spread in divers parts of this Province, and perhaps more exten-
sively through the continent. The report is, that " each Member of the Com-
mittee is allowed six shillings, and, as some say, half a guinea, for every day's
attendance ; besides a commission upon all the donations received, and other
emoluments for their trouble." The Committee, therefore, thus openly declare,
that the above mentioned report is in every part of it groundless and false ; and
that they have hitherto attended and acted in their office, and still continue so to
do, without any intention, hope, or desire, of receiving any other reward in this
life, but the pleasure which results from a consciousness of having done good. —
So satisfied are they of their own disiyitcrested motives and conduct in this regard,
that they can safely appeal to the Omniscient Being for their sincerity in this
declaration.

And whereas the Committee have this evening been informed, by a letter from
the country, of another report equally injurious, viz. that " the Committee have

278 Colonial Correspondence.

employed poor persons in working for themselves, and gentlemen of fortune
with whom they are particularly connected in their private concerns, and paid
them out of the donations received ; " the Committee do, with the same solem-
nity, declare the said report to be as false as it is scandalous.

They were early apprehensive that the enemies of Truth and Liberty, would
spare no pains to misrepresent their conduct and asperse their characters ; and
therefore, that they might always have it in their power to vindicate themselves,
they have constantly kept regular books, containing records of the whole of their
proceedings ; which books, as the Committee advertised the public some months
ago, are open for the inspection of such as are inclined to look into and examine
them.

The Committee now challenge any person whatever, to make it appear, that
there is a just foundation for such reports. Until this reasonable demand is com-
plied with, they confide in the justice of the public, that no credit will be given
to reports, so injurious to the Committee, and to this oppressed and insulted
people.

If the friends of truth will inform the Committee of any reports they may hear,
tending to defame the Committee, and by that means to discourage further dona-
tions for the benevolent purpose of relieving the sufferers above-mentioned, it
will be acknowledged as a particular favor.

Sign'd by Order of the Committee,

Samuel Adams, Chairman.

At a meeting of the Committee, January 20, 1775.

NARRATIVE

Of The planting of the fllassacljnscts

COLONY

Anno 1628. With the LORDS Signal
Presence the First Thirty

YEARS.

Also a Caution from fcfo- engines APOSTLE,
the GREAT

COTTON,

How to Escape the Calamity, which might

Befall them or their POSTERITY.

And Confirmed by the EVANGELIST

NORTON

With Prognosticks from the FAMOUS

Dr. O W E N.

Concerning the Fate of these Churches, and Animadversions
upon the Anger of God, in sending of Evil Angels
amonsr us.

Published by Old Planters, the Authors of the Old
Mens Tears.

Psalm 78. 2. 3. 4* I will utter dark sayings of Old. Which we have heard and known
and our Fathers have told us, &c.

Jer. 6. 16. Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths,
where is the good way, $ icalk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls ; but they said,
we will not icalk therein.

Boston Printed and Sold by Benjamin £)cirri0, at the
sign of the BIBLE over against the Blew-Anchor. 1694.

This reprint of Scottow's Narrative is made from the copy in the Society's
Library. This, however, has an imperfect title-page ; and the latter has been
supplied from a copy owned by the American Antiquarian Society, at Wor-
cester, which was kindly loaned for the purpose by S. F. Haven, Esq., the
Librarian. A Memoir of Scottow, with an account of his writings, will be
found in these Collections, 2d Series, Vol. iv. K. F., Jr.

£o tl)c Ijonourablc

Simon Broadstreet Esq.

Late GOVERNOUR of the

iWassculjuscts-Colonih

Honoured Sir ;

THE Long Experience of your being the only Surviving
Antiquary of us Nov-Angles, the Prime Secretary and
Register of our civil and sacred Records, and the Bif routed Janus
who saio the Closure of the Old, and the Overture of this New-
Albion World. One who in your Juvenile strength ingaged your
All, to Raise and Build up the Arduous 6f Hazzardous Struc-
ture, of this then despised and despicable Fabrique ; so as its ob-
servers said of it, what will these Feeble men Build, if a Fox go
up, he shall even break down the stone-wall : of which themselves,
and all its Spectators must now say, Lo, what hath God done ?

That the Great GOD did then select and adapt Your Person,
and Enrowle your Name among the Nursing Fathers of this his
Out-cast Sion, whose Names are imbalmed to Eternity : that you
have through nine hard Apprentiships, of above sixty years dur-
ance, in the service of your Generation, and faithful discharge of
that trust for so long a season, as hath Rendred you a MOOT-
MAN, and dignified with the highest Honour, this people were
capable to confer.

Whither should this narrow Narrative go, to make its address
for Patronage, and Avowry of its verity, but to Your Honours
feet, there to Prostrate, and submit it self to the touch and test of
the Lydian Stone thereof, its substance being extracted out of the
4th s. — vol. iv. 36

Records, and the rest founded upon the Publishers certaine knowl-
edge and observation.

As for the Censure of the whole or part, to be the Delyrious
dotage of Bis Puerile and Superannuated Brains, let such please
to satisfy themselves with their own Speculations.

But for Your Venerable Self that, the Ancient of days, and
the God of the Spirits of all flesh, would please to renew Your
Age as the .Eagles, so as You may be Our New-England Nestor,
that the decays of Your outward may be made up by recruits
of fresh Anointing from Above upon Your Inner man, that Your
Dayes may be prolonged, to remain in the Lyst of those who actu-
ally are, Our Fathers, Our Fathers, the Chariots of our Israel, and
the Horsemen thereof, and until you are become a full, ripe Sheaf
jit to be safely laid up in your Lord fy Masters Garner. Is the
Daily Prayer of,

Your Honours Humble,

and Obliged

Servant,
/. S.

®®#®$®®®®®®®®®®&®®®®$®$

N A R R A T I V E

Of the Planting of the

Massachusets-Colony &c.

f^ ^IIE Late Series of Divine Dispensations tending
not only to the dissolving of the Cement, but to
the subverting of the Basis of that Fabrick which
-■_ the Wonderful Worker hath here so stupend-
ously erected, nor to the Cropping off their Branches, but
to the Rooting up of the tender Plant, which the Heavenly
lather, here so graciously hath Planted ; hath put some of
the Old Relict Planters, upon smiting on our thighs^ and
serious considerations of what provoking evils Ave have
committed, and what special sins, God now would bring to
our Remembrance, whereby we have so highly displeased
our Benign God, and Gracious Father, thus tremenduously
to treat us : the Aspect of Providence so terribly varying,
from what formerly it was wont to be, puts us into an
amusing amazement. And being in this perplexed Laby-
rinth, of Distracting thoughts of heart, there was darted
into our Meditations, a Caution which above Eight Septe-
naries of Years past, came from the first Seraphical Doctor
of Boston Church. Mr. John Cotton, whose name in
Churches is as Ointment powred forth, and if the word
of his successor may pass for Current, he was the greatest
Luminary in our New England Orbs, and a great Prophet,
and the truth is, the most intelligent of those times took
them both for no less ; he in his funeral Elegy upon his
Death gave him both these titles, and Descanting upon
Gods Magnifying him in his sickness, not only in the sight
of this Israel^ but of the great part of the discerning world,
by setting up a Cadestial Flambeau in the Starry Region,
whither a Signal Minatory or Monitory, (it may be both)

284 A Narrative of the Planting

the next age will better know, it directly followed the Reer
of the Pleiades, in the Rising Progress and setting of the
Seven Stars, as if it had steer'd their Course, as the most
strict observers took notice of: he himself on his death
bed, being Informed of it, replyed, that it did portend to
the state of these Churches : this Comet appeared not only
in the time of his sickness, but until his interment, and
then disappeared, thereby Performing the Honourable Re-
spects of those Stately Obsequies, which are only due, and
not done to any, but to Persons of greatest honour, as to
the Princes, Notables, and Scavants of the times, had there
but a shadow of the least Pretext to such a thing, befaln
the Ignatian, Peter Cotton, the Famed Jesuite, in his life or
death, it had been beyond dispute that his Preference in
their Rubricke, or Saints Calender had been before Loyala
their first Founder.

This Worthy man of God's successor, Reverend Norton
thus versified of him.

This |3r0pl)et'0 dead now must in's Doctrine speak,
This €omet saith, Else Must New-England break.

How near New-England now is to its breaking, the all-
knowing One only knows ; but the muteness of this Proph-
ets Doctrine, is with all solemnity and sadness of soul to
be Lamented.

This Venerable Seer, whose method was to go through
the Books of Scripture, he Entred upon, and had in his
Ministerial Course in both Bostons been (lengthened out to
little less then forty years) went through near the whole
Bible, he was then upon Acts 7. concerning Stephens Dis-
course before the Council, about the History of Israel, the
Church in the Wilderness, taking up the Tabernacle of
Molock, and the Star of their God Remphan ; Figures which
they made to Worship : whereupon Gods Threatning
immediately followed. And I will earn/ you away beyond
Babilon. Shewing that this provocation was so great, as
God then threatned them with the Babylonian Captivity,
which befel their Posterity divers hundred years after ; he
notified the time when 3 the place where, and the persons

Of the Massachusetts Colony, &c. 285

thrcatned were Gods Covenant People; whence he ob-
served to this purpose.

That Gods Covenant People, or their Children, might in
their first beginnings be left to do such things, as might bring
a future grievous Calamity upon them.

Ilr shewed as this people 1 being Gods Israel, did thus in
their March through the Wilderness into the Land of
Canaan, not many years alter their Departure from Egypt,
their House of Bondage ; so might any other Covenant Peo-
ple, he left to do.

In the Application of this Doctrine, he was assisted with
that Presence of Spirit, and pressed it upon his Auditors
with its Divine Authority, that as Goads and Xails, it En-
tree! from that Master of the Assemhly, and was fastned
from the one Shepheard. Slich was thfi attention, and its
Efficacy upon the Hearers, (words from the heart entred
into their hearts) so as upon llcpitition of the Sermon at
home, they coming warmed with its heavenly heat, con-
cluded their John was in the Spirit that Lords day.

This Prophet is Dead, and our Fathers where are they ?
Yet the words then spoken, left such a Convincing Impress
upon our hearts and Souls, as is not obliterated to this day,
and in this Hour of Distress, Trouble, and Consternation,
is now revived, when as Heaven, Earth, and Hell seem to
Conspire to Accomplish the Threatning then Denounced.

The Great God being now upon searching our Jerusalem
with Candles, should put each individual sensible Soul,
with the Candle of the Lord, to make diligent and sincere
Inquiry into the most inward and secret recesses in the
Chambers of his Imagery, yea into the closest Tills, and
Cachotes of a deceitful and desperately wicked heart ; and
after all to Peg of him, whose Eyes are as a Flame of Fire,
that he would Search, Try, and Know it, and that he would
shew, and make us all to know every winding, and wicked
way. and lead in the way Everlasting ; that he who is holy
in all his Ways, and righteous in all his Works, the great
Kevealer of Secrets, would take off the Veil, which hides
j the Mystery of Iniquity in our Souls, that there may be a
[blear discovery of the Troubler of our Israel, the Inward
(Viceroy, the Judge, Jury, and Witness within us, their

286 A Narrative of the Planting

Verdict and Sentence passing against us : God who is
greater than our Conscience will condem us much more.

That we and our Fathers have Sinned, is out of doubt,
but whether we or our Fathers are the meritorious and
procuring causes of what we are now groaning under, is
that which remains under question, we hope in the sequel
of this Script, as to vindicate the Equity of Gods Waves
towards our Fathers, and ourselves, so in our weak meas-
ure to convince us of the Iniquity of our wayes against
the Lord, that we shall see just cause to condemn our selves,
as the procurers of all the deep displeasure we now bleed
under.

In order whereunto, it may be requisite to Recollect what
our Fathers have told us, and what we have seen ; and
shall present a maniple of the unaccountable Sheaves of
Divinely Beneficent Bounties granted unto our Fathers,
and their graceful Returns unto the Divine Majesty. It's
great pitty before the present Generation pass off the Stage
of Action, that there should not be a compleat History laid
up in our Archivis.

It was an Ordinance of old, to Commemorate the Polit-
ical Birth and Growth of a People, it may not (we hope)
be unbeseeming us, to give a small account of the Genesis
of this superhumane and really Divine Creation, wrought
by the admirable Architect, who manifest himself most
Illustriously Great in the Minimes of Created Beings.

This Colonies Foundation was not laid, by exhausting
the Exchequers of Princes, Peers, or Lords of the Realm,
nor by Lotteries, and such like Contrivances of Advance,
as other English Plantations have been.

It was incomparable Minute, to what its now attain'd
unto, and the rather to be observed, because of the great
opposition, from those of strength it first met with, its
growth must be assigned to Heavens Influence, and Bles-
sing : It evidently proceeded from Him who rais'd up the
Righteous man from the East, and called him to his Foot ;
the sudden mover and incliner of Hearts, both infused and
guided the inclinations and motions of these worthy Patri-
ots, with their Associates, who either attended, or followed
them in great measure, parallel to that of the Father of the

Of the Massachusetts Colony, £<\ ~< s> i

Faithful, who upon a Divine ( all. left Kindred, Country
and Fathers House, and went In* knew not whether, to
Enjoy he knew not what, both proceeding from the same
Inspiration, and Instinct, drawn by the Magnetick Influ-
ence of the same Holy Spirit, and as it were by the im-
pulse of a sacred Charm or Spell, as by its operation
appeared, as if a Royal Herald, through our Nation from
Harwich to Cornwell had made Proclamation, to Summon
and .Muster up Volunteers, to appear in New England, for
His Sacred Majesties Service, there to attend further
Orders: Such was the Day of Christ's Power, as an incred-
ible number of Willing People, forthwith Listed them-
selves ; yea many of those whose Faces were unknown to
each other ; the hearts of multitudes in this Design respond-
ed, as Face to Face in Water; thus the Body of this People
was animated as with one soul.

That this Design was Super-humane, will be evidenced

by the Primum Mobile, or grand Wheel thereof. Neither

Spanish Gold or Silver, nor French or Dutch Trade of Peltry

did Oil their Wheels ; it was the Propagation of Piety

and Religion to Posterity ; and the secret Macedonean Call,

GOME OVER AND HELP US, afterward Instamp'd in

| the Seal of this Colony, the Setting up of Christ's King-

; dom among the Heathens, in this Remote End of the

| Earth, was the main spring of motion, and that which gave

the Xame to New-England, and at such a time, when as

Divine Herbert in his Temple Prophetically sang.

Religion Stands on Tiptoe in our Land,
Ready to pass to the American Strand.

The agency of the great God appeared, who never lets any
of his works, fall for want of materials or instruments, he
raised up such as were fit to lead, and feed this People in
this wilderness, such were our Famous Founders, we had
our Mosc's, and Aaron's, our Zorobabels, and Joshua's, our
Eerah's, and Nehemiahs, so many Xoble spirited persons,
fitted and called of God, raised up to this great service,
both to the Civil and Sacred Administration, to the Cure
and Care of this flock in this wilderness.

Men of narrow spirits, of mean Capacities, and fortunes,

288 A Narrative of the Planting

had not been capable to officiate in so great a worke, that
such, and so many Gentlemen of Ancient and Worshipful
Families, of Name and Number, of Character and Quality,
should Combine and Unite in so desperate and dangerous
a Design, attended with such insuperable Difficulties, and
Hazards, in the plucking up of their Stakes, leaving so
pleasant and profitable a place as their Native Soil, parting
with their Patrimonies, Inheritances, plentiful Estates, and
settlement of Houses well Furnished ; of Land well
Stock'd, and with comfortable ways of Subsistence, which
the first Planters Deserted ; and not a few did leave all
their worldly hopes, to come into this Desert, & unknown
Land, and smoaky Cottages, to the Society of Cursed Can-
nibals, (as they have proved to be) and at best wild Indians ;
what less then a Divine Ardour could inflame a People
thus circumstanced to a work so contrary to Flesh and
Blood.

Infinite Wisdom and Prudence contrived and directed
this Mysterious Work of Providence, Divine Courage and
Resolution managed it, Superhumane Sedulity and Dil-
igence attended it, and Angelical Swiftness and Dispatch
finished it ; Its Wheels stirr'd not, but according to the
HOLY SPIRITS motion in them ; yea there was the In-
volution of a Wheel within a Wheel : God's Ways were a
Great Depth, and high above the Eagle or Vulturous Eye ;
and such its Immensity as mans Cockle-shell is infinitely
unable to Emptie this Ocean.

Let us Commemorate their Exodus or Departure from our
Nation. These Prudent Under takers sent forth their For-
lorn Hope in two ships, Laden with Passengers, and Ser-
vants : two years before they mov'd with their main Body,
and Pattent Government, which were fully Furnished with
a Pastor and Teacher, worthy Higgison and Skelton, and
all Materials, for Compleating of a Church of Christ,
according to Divine Institution : Who safely Arriving ac- j
cording to their predeterminate Design of Inlargement of j
Christ-s Kingdom, and His Majesty of England's Domin- j
ion : Firstly, they set up their Standards, Dethroning Sa- i
tan, they cast him out of Heaven ; which beyond times
memorial, he had in the Natives Consciences, and by Turf j
and Twig they took possession of this his large Continent, j

Of the Massachusetts Colony, &c. 289

and set up the first Church in these parts, in a place they
then culled Salem; at which Convention, the Testimony

which the Lord of all the Earth here unto it,
Major is wonderfully memorable, by a Saying Work

^Jjv. upon a Gentleman of Quality, who afterwards

was the Chieftain and Flower of New-England's
Militia, and an Eminent Instrument both in Church and
Commonwealth ; ho being the younger Brother of the
House of an Honourable Extract, his Ambition exceeding
what he could expect at home, Rambled hither : Before
one Stone was laid in this Structure, or our Van-Currier's
Arrival, he was no Debauchee, but of a Jocund Temper,
and one of the Merry Mounts Society, who chose rather to
Dance about a May pole, first Erected to the Honour of
Strumpet Flora, than to hear a good Sermon ; who hearing
of this Meeting, though above Twenty Miles distant from
it, and desirous to see the Mode and Novel of a Churches
Gathering ; with great studiousness, he applyed himself to
be at it ; where beholding their orderly procedure, and
their method of standing forth, to declare the Work of
God upon their Souls, being pricked at the Heart, he
sprung forth among them, desirous to be one of the Soci-
ety, who though otherwise well acomplished, yet divinely
illiterate, was then convine'd and judged before all ; the
secrets of his heart being made manifest, fell down and
Worshipped God, to their astonishment, saying, That God
was in them of a Truth ; the Verity hereof, as long since it
hath been affirmed by old Planters, so by his own Manu-
script, found after his Death it's confirmed ; he about that
time Lamenting his Christless Estate, which evidenceth
that it ought to be said of that Sion, This man was Bom
there.

One winter after these good spies had viewed this Land,
who sent letters of the prosperous good hand of Prov-
idence upon them, the taste of the fruits of this Countrie,
was sweeter, and more welcome to their Principalis in Eng-
land, then the Grapes of Eschol w r ere to Israel of old.

The Leaders of this People upon serious debate, drew
up a Determination to settle the Corporation, and govern-
ment, upon the Place: and accordingly made Choice of a
Govcrnour and Deputy to abide there, which being effected,
4th s.— vol. iv. 37 and

290 A Narrative of the Planting

and Divinely directed in such a Choice of the Governour,
the Famous Pattern of Wisdom, Justice and Liberality,
and of a Deputy Governour, who by his Experience at
Home, and Travels Abroad, with his Natural and Acquired
Abilities, was a Gentleman qualified above others, for the
chief Rule and Government, wherein according to his just
Deserts, he shared more than others ; the Fame whereof
being come abroad in the Nation, to such whose hearts
God had touched ; this being upon the wing, there wanted
not number of Persons of all Occupations, skill'd in all
Faculties, needful for the Planting of a Collony, who filled
up a Fleet of Eleven Ships, of considerable Burthen, be-
sides their attenders ; some of them about Four Hundred
Tuns, the rest not much inferiour ; some carrying near
Two Hundred Passengers, the rest proportionably ; the
Wheels of Providence were lifted up very high, and also
were radiantly magnificent.

These Tarting Travellers Removal, carrying so great a
Resemblance of Departure into another World, they were
not stupid Stoicks, but abounded with that which Grace
doth not destroy, but direct : What showers of melting
Tears dropt into the Bosomes of each other, whose Souls as
Jonathan and David clave one to another, yet alleviated
with consideration ; though they were Absent in Body, yet
Present in Spirit, and of their mutual access to the Throne
of Grace, and of Meeting at the Assembly of the First-born,
and Spirits of Just Men made Perfect. Some of their choice
Friends, as the Reverend Mr. Cotton, and others, went
along with them from Boston in Lincolnshire, to South-
hampton, where they parted, and he Preacht his Farewel
Sermon.

That so many Eminent Persons, some of Noble Extract,
should upon Sea-Bridges, pass over the largest Ocean in
the Universe, by the good hand of their God upon them,
having sought of him a right way for themselves, Little
Ones, and Substance ; yea above Three Thousand in one
Year, and that above Three Hundred Ships since that time;
all laden with Jewels of Invaluable Value, far above the
Gold of Ophir, that each individual one should have a
Caelestial Convoy, under the Flaming Swords of Flying

Cherubims,

Of the Massachusetts Colony, &c. 291

Cherubims, turning every way, to keep them in their way,
so as they all at their Port safely Arrived: Not one Foun-
dered in the Sea, Split upon Rocks, were suckt in by Sands,
Over-set by sudden Gusts, nor Taken and Plundered by
Pirates or Robbers, except one called the Angel Gabriel,
whose Tutular Guardian Ship failed (if any Aboard put
trust therein J she was Laden with Passengers for Boston,
but put in at Pemiquid, where the Ship and whole Cargo
perished, but not one Soul of Seamen, or Passengers mis-
carried ; they met with an Hurricane, before or since not
known in this Country, liaised by the Power of him, who
holds the Wind in his Hand, and Commissioneth the
Prince of the Air, by Raising Stormy Winds to fulfil his
Word; it*s said, the Tide rose Twenty Foot perpendicular,
above its ordinary height. The same time, another great
Ship, Laden with Passengers was wonderfully preserved,
when as ready to be Split in pieces upon Rocks at the Isle
of Shoals ; at the Prayer of the distressed Saints Aboard,
God caused the Winds to Vere a Point or two about the
Compass, so as she cleared them, & they were saved ; in
the Mount the Lord was seen ; in this Ship was the Rever-
end Mr. Mather, three or four of his Sons, and whole Fam-
ily, with a multitude of other precious Souls, among whom
was the Worthy Jonathan Mitchel, then being- a Lad.

The like Salvation about the same time was vouchsafed
to a great Ship Laden with Passengers, Bound for New-
England, the Famous Norton, and Great Shepheard, with
their Wives, were Aboard of her : They were forced back
from the Channel, into North- Yarmouth Road, where,
though the Wind was off the Shoar, the Storm was so vio-
lent, as all their Anchors and Cables would not bring her
up, and being in great danger of Foundering in the Sands,
they were forced to cut both Main Mast, and Fore Mast by
the Board, with Sails and Rigging ; this Paul and Silas,
while able to stand, went from Gabbin to Cabbin to En-
courage and Pray with the Distressed Passengers, and Sea-
men, who by one Wave were washed Over-board, and the
next Wave threw them Aboard again ; there was great
Crying out then, What shall we do to be Saved? At the
Prayers of these Men of God, this Ship and every Soul
Aboard was given them ; the next Day they all Landed

safe,

292 A Narrative of the Planting

safe, and as soon as Ashoar, two Vipers designed not only
to Leap upon the hands of them both; bnt to seiz their
Persons ; bnt how strangely preserved is not unknown to
some of us ; though the House was beset by them, when
as they were at a pious Meeting, (then called a Conven-
ticle.) Next year they Arrived all safe at Boston ; the
Ship for that year was Disinabled.

Ought we not now to cry out, considering the Circum-
stances, Oh ! The Wheel, the Wheel, He who sits upon the
Throne, appeared with the Rainbow about his Head, and
the Spirit of the Living Creatures was in the Wheels, from
their Original Motion.

The Waves obeyed the Voice, and the Wind fulfilled the
Pleasure of the Lord of the Universe, so as the first whole
Fleet Arrived safe in a small time, without Loss of any but
of one person.

These Nobly Grateful Passengers, appointed and set
apart a Day of Thanksgiving to the Almighty God, for the
great Goodness and mighty Works they had seen in their
Voyage, and with Noahs Dove, having found rest for the
soles of their Feet, marched forth from their Floating Arks,
and Celebrated the High Praises of him, who had thus
graciously and wonderfully safe guarded them, and Landed
them ; They Sang the Song of Moses, and of the Lamb,
whom they in this Voyage had followed, and now paid
their Vows to God to Serve him, and to Build him an Hab-
itation, and according to the Examples of Noah and Abra-
ham, who upon their safe Landing and Arrival, each built
an Altar to Jehova, so they (being content with Huts and
smoaky Cottages) first applyed themselves to Build the
Lord an Habitation, before they set up their own Houses,
and Joined in Church- Fellowship, setting up the King of
Sions Throne, in his Order and Worship ; having six Emi-
nent Ministers, who came along with them, and divers
Hundreds of Choice Materials. Thus far an Abbreviate
of this Colonies Foundation, and manner of its Laying.

The good News from this far Country, and from these
men of Desires, being carried into England, was as Cold
Waters to a thirsty Soul ; the Stile of their Letters was so
full of Divine Gravity, and of a Gracious Savour, so grate-
ful to those of full Age, who by reason of Use, had their

Senses

Of the Massachusetts Colony, frc. 293

Senses exercised, to discern both good and evil, as it put
thrm upon study, to increase their Number, stirring up
each other to get among them to New-England.

The Grace powred into the Hearts and laps of these
first Planters, dropt down into Pens of private Christians,
like sweet smelling Myrrh, so as they began their Letters
with Apostolical Benediction, and concluded them with
Salutations ; a Letter then from New-England, and for a
considerable time after, was Venerated as a Sacred Script,
or as the Writing of some Holy Prophet, 'twas carried
many Miles, where divers came to hear it, because the
Savour of ChrisPs Name was as good Ogntment powred forth,
therefore the Virgins Lord Him; and a multitude of pious
Souls through the whole Nation, were in their Spirits
pressed to Joyn in this Work, so as their Mar
Burtons Me- lignant Observers in their Words and Writ-
Umcholly ings, Rendred them: Furijs Religionis Acti:

Men acted by Religious Furies, and the Fes-
tuss ; s of those Times, declared them to be persons Dis-
tracted, saying of their much Religion, as he said of Pauls
much Learning, that it had made them mad.

In a short time after their Arrival, a Snake crept forth,
which Lay Latent in the Tender Grass, one who pretended
himself a Religious Reformado, and to withdraw from the
Noise of Secular Affairs, came over in the first Fleet, he
offered to Joyn in Church-Fellowship here, but was refused
upon suspicion to be what indeed he proved to be, viz a
Roman Catholick, and of such Note among
Christopher them, as he had at Jerusalem Received the
Gardner Orders of the Knighthood, (there called the

Lloly Sepulchre) which Order he appeared to
be of, by Tetters intercepted, sent by a man of Place in
England, a profest Enemy to this Colony ; thus Satans
Proto-F.missary against this People, was discovered in his
prime Plot, and secret snare, who designed to smother this
Embrio Colony, or to Strangle this Babe, not yet out of its
Swadling Bands ; for which Deliverance, high Praises were
Celebrated to the Name of Sions Saviour.

Not long after, a desperate Myne was sprung by this
Peoples Grand Adversary, according to Advice of a Politi-
cian elsewhere, to Blow up Religion, by Religion, Encour-
aging

294 A Narrative of the Planting

aging the Liberty this People had obtained to Leave their
Nation, saying, Let them go, by their Parties and Factions,
as their Brethren at Leyderi and Amsterdam had done, so
they would destroy each other ; but the Lord most gra-
ciously Countermined it, for the Design of Both the Mag-
istrates and Ministers, with the Body of this People, was
not with the Rigid Separatists to Cast off all Communion
with the Church of England, but to act the part of the
good old Nonconformists, who though they could not Close
with the Hierarchy, nor with the Corruptions in Discipline
and Worship, yet in her Faith and Doctrine, they own'd
her to be their Mother ; and therefore having by Pattent-
Charter from His Majesty, a Grant to Remove, they peace-
ably Improved the same, and left their Native Land ; and
at their Departure, they drew up, and Published a Mani-
festo to the whole Nation, of the Grounds of this their
Undertaking ; not knowing, whether ever they should see
Land, styling those whom they parted from, in their Super-
scription.

REVEREND FATHAERS

AND BRETHREN.

The Humble Request of His Majesties Loyal Subjects, The

GOVERNOUR and COMPANY of NEW-ENGLAND.

To the rest of their Brethren, in and of the Church of
England : For the obtaining of their Prayers, and Removal
of their Suspicions, and Misrepresentations of their Intentions,
&c.

LONDON, Printed for John Belamy, 1630.

Their subscription signed was

Your Assured Friends and Brethren,

3J0fltt ffiffllltfirOil Governour.

l&icluirtr SaltoustoU*
ifcwac Slofinson.

SEflO* DtlTUtS Deputy Governour.

Cecsrue f}fiiUi9&

Cum multis aliis.

From Yarmouth, Aboard the Arabella,
April 1th. 1630.

Of the Massachusetts Colony, &-<\ 295

THESE Magnanimous Heroes, whose Memory is Blessed,
whose Names not only during New-England, hath a
Being, but shall be had in Everlasting Remembrance, they
then declared.

Though there might be some among them otherwise minded,
j/et they were not of them, and desired Remembrance in their
"Prayers, (as above) in this their Dangerous Design,

Not long after this, Mr. Cottons Farewel Sermon (above
mentioned) was Printed at London, and since lie-printed at
Huston, Entituled, GODS PROMISE TO ILLS PLANTA-
TION, wherein he Exhorted them to Remember England,
their Mother, and that they should not be like those Ingrate-
fnl Birds, who when they had Swum over a Stream or
{liver, forgot the Wing that had Hatcht them.

The Serpent soon got into this Eden, and according to
his Maxime acted, divide, and Overcome, lie sowtl the Seed
of Discord, & Division among us, so as this Heterodoxy
was Preached publickly, that there was no Communion to
be held with the Church of England ; and that if any of
our Church-members had transiently heard a Minister,
which Conformed to the Church of England, without
declaring Repentance for it, he was to be Excommuni-
cated, and that no Communion was to be held, with any
In regenerate Person, that they ought not to Pray, or Crave
a Blessing at Meals, before Wife, or any Relation Uncon-
verted, of which Conversion their Opinion was the Test; and
not only so, but that the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty
was not to be taken, nor was it lawful to take any other
kind of Oath, because no Power to be Settled by Oath, but
Christs Kingly Power only, and that our Pattent ought to
be sent back to our King ; nor ought we to have to do
therewith: Thus was New-England Attackt by Satan; and
this from an Eminent Preacher, noted for Piety in his Life
and Conversation, as his strictest Observers Characterised
him. This Child of Light walked in Darkness about Forty
Years, not only by Rejecting the Church of England, and
its Baptism, but his second Baptism also.

Taking up the Seekers perswasion, looking for
Mr. Roger new Apostles, yet did not his Root turn into
Williams. Rottenness, the Root of the Matter abode in
him, as by his Faithful Defence of the Funda-
mentals

296 A Narrative of the Planting

mentals of Christian Religion, in a pnblick Dispute ; and
about the Year 1677, putting out a Book against the Qua-
kers : Thus the Lord infinite in Wisdom, and Goodness, dis- j
posed of Satans Malice, so as he was Out-shot in his own 1 1
Bow, the Lord held the Magistracy and Ministry in Unity, !
according to the Integrity of their hearts, so as this small
new Rigged Vessel was preserved against this violent I
Storm, which the Prince of Darkness Raised upon her at ;
first setting forth, with Design to have Overset and Foun- J
dred her ; thus was Munificent Mercy magnified toward
this People, when few in Number, and in their low Estate ;
such was the conduct of our Moses and Aaron, that they
kissed each other in the Mount of God.

The Report of this admirable Divine Presence with this I
People in their Civil and Sacred Administrations, Reach'd
our Nation even to the astonishment of those who cast no
good Eye upon us, but to the Encouragement of those |
otherwise minded, so as that the Well-affected came over j
as Clouds, and like Doves to their Windows ; such was j
their Increase, that in seven years time, the Massachuset j
Pattent could not contain them. This Vine spread forth
her Branches on the other side of this Bay, to find a Reho- |
both ; it's said that about this time, in Two Years there
came over Seventy odd Ships, who one with another Trans-
ported an Hundred Passengers, to the astonishment of the
sober part of our Nation. At which time, and before, as
the Harvest was great & white, so the Lord thereof thrust
forth not only Labourers, but multiplied Aholiabs and
Bezaliells, Robbing our Nation, to supply this people with
such as were filled with the Spirit of Wisdom and Under-
standing, in all Spiritual Skill, in the Structure and Fur-
niture of this great Work, and about setting up the Taber-
nacle of the Congregation, and the Ark of the Testimony,
according to the Pattern in the Mount, Of whom a Qua-
ternion, viz. Mr. Cotton, Eminent for Spiritual Clothing,
and Mather for Cselestial Dying, Hooker for Soul Fishing,
Stone for Building up in the Holy Faith : three of whom
came in the same Ship, and one of them not long after,
with the Reverend John Davenport, the famous Rogers of
Rowley, besides the Worthy First Fruits of New-England ;
the Proto-Pastors and Teachers, whom our Pen fails to

Enumerate ;

Of the Massachusetts Colony, frc. 291

Enumerate; such was the Cloud of them who came over
first and last ; seventy seven Ministers, and fourteen Young
Btudents fit lor the Ministry.

These voluntary Exiles for the Word of God, and Testi-
mony of -Jesus, having been under Exercise of Spirit, and
Burthened by mens setting up their Posts and Thresholds,
h\ Gods Posts and Thresholds; and now Wanned by the
Lively Sense of Gods preserving Goodness, and safe Land-
hag of them, after a tedious passage some Encountred ;
the- some had but six Weeks, others Twenty and odd
Weeks durance, yet without Loss or Famishing of one
person ; all this while shut up, but Safeguarded about four
inches distance from Death: These Votaries being under
the fervour of their late Obligations, they Anointed Jacobs
Pillar, then they had opportunity, and accordingly Be-
waibd, and were ashamed of their Misdoings, begg'd par-
don and assistance from the God of the Spirits of all Flesh,
and direction from on High, to set up the Throne, and
Place of the Soles of Christs Feet ; after solemn Imploring
the Discovery of the Form, and Fashion of Gods Flouse,
the Comings in, and Goings out of the Church of God,
which is the House of God, the Ground and Pillar of
Truth ; they agreed upon the practice of that which is
called the "Way of the Congregational Churches, which
for Thirteen Years together, they AValkt in the practice
of, before the Synod further confirmed the same, as is after-
wards notified ; which Doctrine and Practice, was Pub-
lished to the Europeen World, in the Book of the Keyes,
and Vindication of the Way of the Congregational Churches
in New-England, pen'd by the Reverend Teacher of Boston
Church, and other worthy Scripts, by divers Worthy Min-
isters of this Country, in Answer to the Reproach put upon
Mr. Samuel them, by some Eminent Divines, elsewhere

Rutherford. of another perswasion ; yet one of their

In his Spiri- Chieftains for Piety and Learning, Declared
tual Antichrist. ' m ]> rmt ^ ^ f u n Assent to the Book of the
Keyes, in all its particularities, except in one punctilio
about the power of Synods, which as he apprehended,
the Book of the Keyes did too much streighten.

The Lords presence with our Fathers in their Civil and

Sacred Concerns, signally appeared, with our Honourable

4th ?.— vol. rr, 38 Counselors,

298 A Narrative of the Planting

Counsellers, our Prudent, and Ancient, the Mighty Man, i
and the Man of War, the Judge and the Prophet, our j
Princes and our Rulers ; though none of them a General j
Governour, yet as by some it hath been well observed, j
some of them were generally Governours, especially the
first Governour, who in Twenty Years was above ten times ;
Governour, & the first Deputy Governour, but little less : !
such was the deep Humility of these Elevated Men, that
upon Election Days, they provoked the Free-men, to make j
use of their Liberty against their own intentions.

Never so small a spot of Land, was so highly favoured I
with such an Aggregate of Men, of such Abilities in Divine I
and Humane Learning, as New-England then was ; so as
upon the Emergency of the Reverend Mr. Wilson, first
Pastor of Boston Church, Return into England, he with I
consent of his Church, left the care of his Flock to
Mr. Winthrop, and Mr. Dudly, they being then the much I
Honoured Governour, and Deputy Governour of this Peo-
pie, who both accepted, and perform'd this Charge : Know- j
ing well, that the Princes of Juda in King Hezekiahs j
Reign, were appointed to Teach the People in the Law of j
God : And it's certainly Recorded, That above an Hundred j
Years before that time, there were five Pastors in the Re- I
formed Church at Orleans in France at one time, the major
part of whom were Lords, and Barons of the Nation ; so ;
high an Estemate was then put upon this Sacred Func- j
tion.

Besides their Dexterity in Handling of the Civil, and |j
the Lords Two-Edged Sword ; it's not to be forgotten, j
(though above seven times seven years since) the skill they 1
were accomplished with, & was shown in their being |
Versed in the use of the Military Sword, at Fox-Hills, I
Fort Action, where they as two Tactiques, set their Armies I
in Battle Array, each appearing General in the Head of a
Body, at Boston, where all the Cavalry and Infantry of the I
Country appeared ; shewing such real Discipline in their
Field Exercise, by rowling Trenches making their Ap- i \
proaches, and assayling the Fort, & by orderly sallies, de- 1
fending the same together with a Naval Combate on both
sides, such as in none of the Gallantry, & Bravery of all
our General Traynings since did appear ; thus the Motions

of I

Of the Massachusetts Colony, frc. 299

of the Wheels were very high and terrible to our Adver-
saries, and so were the Rings and Wheels of Providence

full of Eyes, to supply all our wants, so as when this Peo-
ple, though never reduced to Famine, yet oft to short
Commons ; so as when Bread failed, Fish and Herbs was
very good Fare.

Then not only Dutch Ships were sent in with Sheep,
Kine, and Mares, to compleat our Farms and Husbandry;
but rather then Christs little Flock, who had followed him
into this Wilderness, (upon the hearing of his voice) should
want, their good Shepherd Spirited the great Strafford, and
Lord Deputy of Ireland, and Commissioned him to be their
Purveyor, out of his Irish Stalls, and Stores to supply their
Tables ; yea, such was Christs pastoral respects to them,
least they should be neglected : The said Lord Strafford
must Buy a Ship of Burthen, Lade her, and Transport it
to them at his own Cost.

There wanted not Observers of this Peoples Methods
and Measures, who failed not to misrepresent the General
Muster before mentioned, and all other their Actions, who
rendred us, that as w 7 e had cast off the Yoke of Episco-
pacy, so we designed to cast off our Allegiance and Loy-
alty to His Majesties Crow T n and Dignity, which never
entred into the Hearts of our Grave Sages ; they knew
better then so, that under God it w T as their only shield and
buckler, against all violent Intruders, and especially the
French, w T ho at our Arrival here, were not Seiz'd of Accady,
then called Nova-Scotia ; our Brethren of Scotland, w T ere
then possessed of Port-Royal, and above tw T o years after,
they having Built a Fort there, but the French purchasing
it of the Scots, possessed it, and would then own no N.
Engl, and justified their Kings Claims to all the Continent
on this side Virginia. The French Governour at Port
Royal Addrest his Letters to our Governour to Monsieur
Monsieur /. W. Governour of the English at Boston in
Accady ; and in his Subscription styled himself D. C. Gov-
ernour of Accady ; thereby declaring unto us, That we im-
proved his Masters Dominions. The Dutch on the other
side claimed Connecticut, and had there set up a Fort, and
Trading House in that River, so as w r e were surrounded
with bad Neighbours.

This

300 A Narrative of the Planting

This Misprision so far prevailed, as a Formidable Ma-
chine was formed against this Country, not to put a demurr
or cessation to their proceedure, but to subvert and over-
throw this Colonies Foundation, so miraculously Founded
and Multiplied ; so as the Pattent was call'd in, and sent
for to be delivered up ; a New Commission and Regulation
drawn up confirmed, and sent over ; whereby this People
after all Difficulties, and Dangers of Transplanting them-
selves, and settlement here, were reduced to harder meas-
ure, then if they had not left their Nation, altho' upon as
great security as could humanely be given.

Then all our worthy Patriots, in each pollity, Zorobbabel,
and Jehoshua, and all the People of the Land, being deeply
affected, afflicted, and sorely distressed, they first Addrest
the Divine Throne, where this halting Jacob, upon his
Wrastling with the Angel of the Covenant, found Grace
with him, that his Name was then changed into Israel, and
had power from him so that prevailing with God, he also
prevailed with man.

They Supplicated our gracious King, and the Lords
Commissioners of the Forreign Plantations, prostrating
themselves at His Majesties Foot-stool : Besought that they
might be made the Objects of his Royal Clemency, that this
poor Plantation which had found so much favour from God,
more then others, might not find the less from man : The
Kings heart being in the Hand of the Lord, was turned
about as Rivers of Waters ; so as this Weapon Formed
against this people prospered not, and by Divine Hand was
broken ; as well as a great Ship new Built purposely to
have brought over, the Artificers and Managers of this En-
gine, whose Back was after a strange manner broken on
the Stocks ; so as this Tool for about Forty Years was laid
aside ; and then for our Iniquities, was new Forged, Fur-
bished, and took effect ; in which time, incredible was the
Increase of His Majesties Subjects in this his Dominion,
being Sown with the Seed of Man and Beast, to the Hon-
our of our God, King, and Nation, far exceeding the Num-
ber which the Exchequer of any Potentate in Europe could
have Effected : God then said, this shall not be ; for which
an Altar was erected, Jehova Nissi, The Hand upon the
Throne.

Satan

Of the Massachusetts Colony, frc. M)\

Satan being Dispossessed of so great a part of his Do-
minion, attempts its recovery, by stirring up the Pequods,
who were the Terror of all the Salvages, in these Parts,
who to the Glory of Israels God, and the Natives Amaze-
ment, in a little above one years time were Destroyed; this
Amaleck fell upon our Rere in our Feeble Estate, Moses
Hands being held up by Aaron and llu>\ Joshua obtained
a great Victory: Our Fathers Cryed unto God, who heard
them, and they were saved ; this Pequod Amaleck s Name
{according to Gods Oath,) hath been ever since blotted out
from under our Heaven. Thus was the Lord his Peoples
Hauliers.

The Dragons old indefatigable Malice appeared, in a
most subtile Stratagem contrived, by letting out of his
Mouth a Flood to Drown the Woman and Male Child,
tied into this Wilderness to be fed ; which made this little
World groan to see it self surrounded with Familestical &
Antinomian Heresies & Errors ; this chiefly befel Boston
and its Vicinity, which Church Glorying in their Candle-
stick, being furnished with two such Burning and Shining
Lights, a Pastor and Teacher, who for Love and Light
Out-shincd all others ; and in the Gifts of Knowledge and
Utterance of divers of their Brethren ; the Serpents sub-
tilty shewd it self in a Multitudinarism of Questions,
started under pretence of seeking Light ; Error cloath'd it
self under disguise of Truth by pretext of Magnifying
Grace, it was turned into Wantonness, and all this under
the Umbrage of their Teacher, who tho' he had Sown only
good Seed in Gods Field, yet the Enemy came and sowed
Tares ; as he upon a East-Day in Boston Church, before
the Country, vindicated himself; that whilst men slept,
this mischief was done, which was the Subject of that
days Discourse, and he discriminated between them, openly
declaring, what good Seed he had Sown, and its dissimili-
tude from the Tares which the Enemy had Sown, proving
by Jerom & Authentick Authors, That the Tares in Judea,
were so like the Wheat, that until the Harvest, without
great difficulty they could be distinguished ; thus Hells
Cataracts were set open, and a multitude of Errors then
were broached, to the hazard of the mine of the Churches,
with manv Heresies destroying the Foundation ; but as of

old,

302 A Narrative of the Planting

old, when Arrianism prevailed, the Earth helpt the Woman;
so many took opportunity to greaten their outward Estates,
whatever befel them upon any other account ; oh ! That
men would praise the Lord for his Goodness, and for the
Work of this Sions Saviour in delivering from this Master-
plot of Hell, who designed the mine of these Churches
and People ; but by Divine Benediction upon the measures
taken by Magistrates in the Court, and the Elders and
Churches in the /Synod, that was prevented which threatned
the Destruction of all, but chiefly of Boston.

The Churches and people of New-England had for a
considerable time, Enjoyed Peace and Rest, Trade at
Home, and Traffick Abroad, they greatned their Estate
by Building small Vessels, and some considerable Ships,
Transporting of Timber for the Indies and Islands, tho'
not without Alarms from the Indians, and other Afflictive
Providences, the Lord took us into his Fatherly Hand, by
Droughts, Blasts upon English Grain ; yea, by Feavers,
and Small-pox, and with one great Fire ; but in the interim,
being without any Adversary or such evil Occurrent, they
lookt at it as a Duty incumbent upon them, to draw up a
Plat-Form of Discipline, and Church-Government, which
might be laid as a Foundation for the Generations to
come: And the rather, because the Way they practised,
was questioned by some, whether it was agreeable to the
Pule of Gods Word, whereupon a Bill was drawn up by
the General Court, for Assembling of a Synod ; after debate,
it was agreed unto, and accordingly a Synod of Elders and
Brethren, according to the first President of a Synod or
Council Recorded in the Sacred Leaves of the Acts and
Monuments of the Apostles who Assembled at Jerusalem ;
these did Convene, to whom we may assign, as hath been
Observed by one of Note in the Churches of Christ : That
as these had shewn more Love and Zeal to Communion with
God in his Pure Worship, in their Hazardous Undertakings
into these Parts, So God did more for them, in shelving them
the Scriptural Way of Church Government, as a Divine
Favour, and Boon vouchsafed unto them, then he did to any
other, which Light hath not been hid in a Bushel, but
resplended not only into our Nation, but into all the Reformed
Churches. Concerning these men, it may without arro-

gancy

Of the Massachusetts Colony, #'<'. 303

o-ancy be affirmed, tho* they were of lower stature thru our
first Reformers, who arc 1 of* immortal Name, yet having the
Advantage of standing upon their Gigantine Shoulders,
they had opportunity of seeing further, then those Giants
did ; some of them made discovery of the Papal Anti-
christ, and of his Tyranny over Kings, Princes and Pre-
lates ; others threw down the Episcopal Usurpation over
their Fellow Presbyters, and reduced them to their Primi-
tive Parity, and the Church Discipline then Established,
especially the Later at Geneva; considering the vast
Number in their Church Bodies, consisting from Eight to
Twelve Thousand Members in one Congregation, so as
they had from two to five Pastors in one Church, & in
divers, six Ruling Elders ; the publick Management of
Discipline, upon Offenders in so vast an Auditory Sc
Assembly would have tended to the Scandal of the Refor-
mation, & have hindred the progress of Protestantism ;
they prudently concluded, to commit it into the private
hands of the Classes, viz. Pastors and Ruling Elders of
each Church, if need required further consideration, to be
Tryed by the Colloquoy of the Neighbour Churches, viz.
their Pastors and Elders there to be Represented, & for a
result of it to be determined by the Synod of the Province,
which if not there accomplisht, to be finally concluded by
the National Synod of all the Churches; could there have
been a more prudential way of Church Government pitched
upon, then that which they practised ; and doubtless God
I accepted the sincere desires of his Servants hearts, to the
! Conversion and Edification of many thousands in their
i most Holy Faith ; but our Reformers circumstances were
vastly different, our number fewer, & those eminently
qualified for further Reformation ; they being a select
' choice Company (8c without offence it may be said J of the
' Cream and Flower of our Nation, not only for Morality,
; but true Piety ; having been, both Ministers & People,
under Sufferings for the Truth & Worship of God, both
Confessors and Professors, and in Fervour of Spirit brought
into this solitary place, where they had opportunity of the
Visions of God, freed from Temptations, which populous
; places might have exposed them unto, and from the Baits
of Honours & Profits which other places might have pre-
sented. They

'304 A Narrative of the Planting

They after near two years seeking of God, and serious
searching out his Will, with Unanimity of heart, and mind
agreed, in that which then was, and now is called the Plat-
form of Church Discipline; as for their Confession of Faith,
they wholly agreed with that put forth by the Assembly of
Divines at Westminster.

After full Answer was given to every Objection, which i
every individual person could make, both in Churches and
Towns ; both of them having had the consideration of it
put unto them, the Plat-Form above-mentioned was accepted I
of, and declared by the General Court, and all the Churches,
as being for the substance of it, what they had hitherto j
practised in all the Churches, as before is observed, and I
being that which was agreeing to the Word of God, and
the principles of the Congregational Way, first practised I
in our Churches, & for a good time, since ; this Plat-form
hath been Printed here, and in England, and published
Abroad to the World, there being no difference between i
us, and the other Reformed Churches, whether the Church
of England, the French or Dutch Churches, but only in
point of Church Government, as to points of Faith and
Doctrine, we all agree in one ; this we thought needful to i
inlarge upon, humbly fearing the Lords present Contro-
versy with us, doth in great measure Center here, viz. our
deviating and receeding from that which gave us the Name
of New-England ; viz. the Plat-Form, and agreed practice
of our Churches, according to the Word of God.

The Ravening Wolves of Heresy, and the wild Boars of
Tyranny, being chained up from Devouring the Lords poor
Flock, and from Rooting up his Heritage.

The unreconcileable Adversary, lets loose his Foxes with
Fire brands at their Tails, to burn up this peoples stand-
ing Corn, which not taking, he sent forth his Foxes, the
little Foxes^ to spoil this Vine, in the time of its tender
Grapes, but the Keeper of this Vineyard neither slumbering
nor sleeping, took and destroyed them; he Watch'd, Warded,
and every moment Watered it, and none did hurt it, much
less threw down the Stone-Wall thereof; tho' many an
hard push and shuff was made at it ; our Jerusalem was
then a Burthensome Stone, & their Governours like a Torch
of Fire in a Sheaf, many an Ebenezer, Stones of help did

t[ Gorton Sf Complyces, fyc. our

Of the Massachusetts Colony, $-c. 305

our Fathers then set up, for which the Lords Sacro sanct
Name was Celebrated.

This preceeding Relation is but as a few Clusters of
Ephraims Grapes, compared with the redundancy of Abie-
$er, our Fathers Helpers Vintage; so many unimaginable 4
and unutterable acts of Favour, and preventing Mercies,
were in the Revolution of twenty five, or about thirty years
space vouchsafed to our fathers, as would fill a large Vol-
ume, yet not without mixture of Fatherly Corrections, to
evince Paternal Respects unto them, as their own words
writ into our Xation testify ; that they were by the Dew
from above, and Cselestial Influences kept alive, and cher-
ished ; as to the sequel, we shall leave it to such Sprightly
and Accurate Wits to perforin, who shall espouse it ;
knowing that tract of time will admit liberty of freer Dis-
course about Matters, then this Age will bear ; the Relator
being in hazard of having his Teeth dasht out, by Truth
lifting up her heeles, if he come too near her, as hath been
Experienced and Recorded by our Nations Great Histori-
ographer.

This was the time of our Fathers Love of their Espou-
sals, and Kindness of their Youth ; they were then Holiness
unto the Lord, and the First Fruits of his Increase. God
Rode upon the Heavens for their help, they dwelt safely,
tho' solitarily ; our Issachar Rejoyced in their Tents, and
our Zebulon in his Going forth, but have we brought Sacri-
fices unto the Holy Mountain ; though w r e have sucked of
the abundance and treasures of the Sea, to the enriching of
divers. This Tribe hath abundantly multiplied to the
admiration of all Beholders.

So as a noted Belgian one of the East India Company,
who ahove twenty years since haveing heard of the fame
of this place, purposely came over to take a view of it,
and past through all the parts of it, and made a particular
remark upon our sea trade, and the incredible number of
small vessels he then saw, besides some Ships of consider-
able Burthen belonging to us.

Nor is to be forgotten the answer made to a Messenger

of the Nations, an Attendant upon the French Court, sent

hither by Lewis le- Grand, to demand the fulfilling of the

Articles made at Breda, between the two Crowns, who here

4th s. — vol. iv. 39 to

306 A Narrative of the Planting

to his astonishment saw, what he could not have believed ;
to him it was told, That God had founded this Sion, and
that the poor of his People did trust in him ; at his depart-
ure with wonderment he said, Lo, what hath God done !
and if his Masters servants did know how the poor of this
Country lived, he would not have one left.

It might be then said, who so happy as new New-Eng-
land, by the Lord their shield and Sword of their Excel-
lency : as our Report hath passed through Hol-
C. Allin land and France ; so that Spain is no stranger
to it, appeareth by the Discourse, which the
Governour of Cuba had with a Prisoner of Note of ours
falling into his hands, concerning our being a People emi-
nent for great Morality and Reformation, but mind you (said
he) how your Children will prove, and what will become of
them ; a Speech becoming a Gentleman well Versed in
Sacred and Civil History.

Thus far of the Light and white side of the Pillar, which
attended us in this our Wilderness Pilgrimage ; the black
and dark side remains : and we hope thus far we have
cleared our Fathers, from being the procurers and peccant
causes of these dismal days now befallen us ; they accord-
ing to Divine Institution walked with God, they did Justice
and Judgment, and then it was well with them.

The Lord took delight in our Fathers, and they in him ;
we have left the Lord, he hath forsaken us ; they Walkt
with him, we contrary unto him ; he Subdued their Pequod I
and Narraganset Enemies before them, gave their Country
into our hands ; but now the Scene of Affairs is turned,
we are made a Spoil to our Haters, to our Popish and
Pagan Neighbours, a Derision, we are sold and scattered
among the Heathen ; can we say, All this is befallen us, yet
have we not forgotten thee, nor have we done falsely in thy
Covenant ; this we fear is our mortal wound, viz. the for
getting of our Fathers and of our God, we have dealt
falsely in our own and their Covenant, who stipulated for
us ; thfa is the quarrel which the Holy God is now aveng-
ing : Hath Chittim or Canada chang'd their Gods ] Do we
thus Requite the Lord ? Oh Foolish People and Unwise!

O poor New-England, especially Boston, in the Day of
it, poor to a proverb, of being the lost Town in our first

Founding ;

Of the Massachusetts Colon}/, frc. 807

Founding; those of other Towns enquired, bow the Mean
Dnes lived here, the Rich had their Farms Abroad to Sub-
sist by, but us for the poor, bow could they subsist I The
Answer was, their Ministry was so sweet unto them, and
fche Bread of Life so savoury to their Souls, that they forgot
their Bodily Food, so welcome was Christian Society to
them, that he who bad but an Acre of Land for his House
Lot, parted with one half of it to a desirable Neighbour;
he that bad but ball' an Acre did tbe like: Thus were we
increast, so as instead of a desolate place, where our Fa-
tbers found no Town to dwell in, they Cried unto the Lord
hungry and thirsty, who led them forth by a right way,
that we are become a small City of Habitation. God gave
some of them then a particular Faith upon Psalm 107. 4.
to S. When as they were brought to small store of pro-
vision, upon the first Market Day by the General Court
appointed to be kept, they put to Sail half of it, to handsel
it with. Thus was this contemptible place raised up, so
that in less than sixty years, its reputed the Mart of the
North- America.

That little Church which after seven years growth, its
Number (in their Mud-wall Meeting House with wooden
Chalices) was so small, as a Child might have told the
whole Assembly ; it hath been so Amplified and Dignified,
by the Adorable presence of him, ivhose Countenance as the
Bun shining in his full strength, with Radiant Beams
through the Chrystal Glass of the Triumvirate Ministry of
the first three Successive Johns, Wilson, Cotton & Norton,
each so full of the Spirit of Love, Light, and Learning, as
scarcely paralleled in many Generations ; this Church is
now grown up to be a Trinity Colledge of Churches, besides
three other Congregations, every Lords-Day distinctly call-
ing upon the Name of the Lord, being each of them of
different perswasions : Oh that the Redeemed of the Lord,
whom he hath Sav'd from the Hand of the Enemy, and
gathered from the Lands, might give thanks to the Lord,
for his Goodness and Mero/ Endureth for ever.

Our Ancestors were men of God, made partakers of the
Divine Nature, Christ was Form'd, and visibly Legible in
them, they Served God in Houses of the first Edition, with-
out large Chambers, or Windows, Cieled with Cedar, or

painted

308 A Narrative of the Planting

painted with Vermilion ; a company of plain, pious, hum-
ble and open hearted Christians, call'd Puritans ; when
News was brought hither, that the Church at Bermudas
was Banish'd thence, into a desolate Island, and full of
Straits, forthwith they sent a Vessel of good Burthen to
them, fully Laden with provisions of all sorts, each striv-
ing who should be forwardest in so good a work ; which
supply came unto them, when as all the Meal in their Bar-
rels, and Oil in their Cruise was spent ; and it was brought
to them upon a Lords-day, when as their Faithful Pastor
had finished his Exhortation, from Psalm 23. To Trust upon
Jehova their Shepherd ', who would not suffer his Flock to
want ; thus the Lord set his Seal to their Faith and
Prayers.

The Gravity of their Habit, and Calendar Reformation,
by Satans Pollicy, hath since been imitated by the Quakers,
that our Fathers might be Lysted among those Phanaticks,
and Enthusiasts; but they own'd no Spirit within them,
but to be tryed by the Word without them, and no Word
without them, but accorded with the Spirit within them ;
no word of promise to them without a work of Grace upon
them, neither without the Holy Spirits dwelling in them,
and testifying to them. They minded the Ornament of the
meek and quiet Spirit, they were not acquainted w T ith the
toyes and fancies of this age, they were Glorious within,
their clothing was of wrought gold, they were brought in
unto the King, in rayment of needle work, wrought with
tender pricks of conscience ; the least vain fashion, wanton,
or wicked thought toucht them to the quick, sensibly feel-
ing others adversity, as being in the same body, instance
in our Pequod and Narragansett Wars, we were not the
next concerned, it was Conecticut and Plimouth ; at first no
union of the Collonies, why should we concern our selves
with them, why did they ramble so far a field, they might
have contented themselves, without such
Mr. Oldham large accommodation. The first English
Blood-shed, was of an Indian trader, and
one who had been highly fined for abusing this authority,
but it was English Blood, and they made Inquisition after
it.

So they did, when a couple of English traders were at

Richmond

Of the Massachusetts Colony, fa. 309

Richmond Island, shun by the Indians 1631. and the next
jrear an English Pirate seized a vessel, who robbed &
made spoil at Pemiquod Fort, and along the Coast; the
Worthy Governour and Council then used means for their

suppression, and accordingly it succeeded: Nation and
Neighbourhood was Obligation to their engaging in the
quarrel, they had simpathy in each joys and sorrows, our
senseless stupidity, and our Pride devours our Charity, Oh
the Excess of it both of Bpdy and mind, of Hearts, and
Parts, of Vestures, and Gestures, in all Professors, it is the
Noli me tangere of the Age ; its fear'd, that most of our
Prophets mouths arc judicially shut against it, and that
God now saith of us, as formerly of Ephraim, He is joined
to his Idols let him alone.

Dread we, least our Palscy Distempers should Kelax the
Nerves of our Body Pollitick, or our Convulsive Cramps
should break them, and mostly that the Pectant Humours
in our Bodies may not abound to the raising up Noxious
and Mortal Fumes and Vapours, in our Head.

If the Athenian Mercury may be credited, the excesses of

our Nation in their Head-Tire, hath been testified against,

: by Unnatural Excrcssenccs of Bruit Creatures, but, (as its

said) ours by an Humane Monstrossity, as if the Holy GOD

were more Jealous against us, then against others.

The Lord seeth the Land-Defiling and Desolating sins
amongst us : what Witchcrafts, and what other abomina-
tions are in the midst of us, we have just cause both to lay
ourselves down in the Dust, and with indignation to bear
all witness justly due against them, and all our Pagan
walking in Lasciviousness, Lusts of the Flesh, Lusts of the
eyes, and Pride of Life, our excess of Wine, Revellings, &
abominable wickedness, by which Gods Name is Blas-
phemed among us ; for which as the Lord vomited out
these Natives, to make room for us, so he now hath vom-
ited us out, to make room for them ; in this War he hath
Ruined and Destroyed a whole Shire, and in a manner
Depopulated a whole Province ; in which Desolation, two
1 Churches gathred according to Gospel Order are extin-
guished : One of them about fifty years standing, which
was one of the first attacks upon us, having there been
made the greatest Slaughter, Captivity, and Plunder ; the

Town

310 A Narrative of the Planting

Town remaineth, but the Churches Candlestick was re-
moved: the other Church not of much lesser standing,
where its said, not above Four Males left of their Society, the
rest Dead, Slaughtered, or Captivated ; but the Burthen of
that Lamentation is, that their Faithful Pastor, Eminent for
Humility, Piety, and care of his Flock ; he not being willing
to leave them, was Barbarously Murthered in the midst of
them, his Tender and Godly Wife Captivated, there Dyed.
Oh Lord will not all this awaken us to Church Reforma-
tion, so as to set thine Altar upon its Basis, a Sentence to be
engraven upon every Church door, when we are not only
under Fear of the inhabitants of this Land, but under the
Deep Smarting and Killing Displeasure of a Righteous,
Holy and Angry God, by these wicked Cannibals, who are
Gods Sword, and have been so for many years together,
and when the end will be none of our Prophets have told
us : we mention not the other circumstances relating to that
Province & Shire ; it's said there have been Killed &
captivated, a 1000, besides about 140 Slain the other day :
but leave it to such whose Lot it will be to draw it up, our
Pequod and Narraganset Wars lasted about three years,
whose Narrative is faithfully Published by two persons of
Worth, to the Honour of God, King, and Country: It's
thought no English Pen will hardly Undertake this.

That the Great God is Departing from us, his Awful
Removes demonstrate, should he quite leave us, we need
none to Judge between us, but our selves to Justine him,
and Condemn us ; we are the Luxuriant Branches of the
Noble Vine here planted, but Degenerated into that of
Sodom and Gomorrah, whom after all Cuituring to bring us
unto our Pristine Fruitfulness, by Impoverishing us, by
pruning off our Superfluous Branches, by Losses at Sea, by
Defeating our great Canada Design by Gods own Imme-
diate Hand, Starving and Freezing to Death the Flower of
our Hopeful Youth ; the Lord from Heaven, and the Stars
in their Courses, Fighting against us ; yea, Cruel Canni-
bals, Scalping and Fleaing of our Bodies, burning us as
Sacrifices to Hahamoch ; but all this tends only to the kill-
ing of our Bodies ; but when as the Lyon of the Tribe of
Judah is Rowz'd up, and Roareth upon us, who can but
fear] it exceeds bruitish stupidity, if we do not Trem-
ble,

Of the Massachusetts Colony, $r. 311

blc, more especially, when as the Devourer out of the
Bottomless Pit is let Loose upon us, the Compendium
of all Calamity, and the quintessence of Wrath, Anger,
and Indignation is come upon us to the utmost, as if
now we were to be made an Execration to God, his
Holy Angels and good men, at the dreadful Claps of
this tremendous Thunder, whose Flesh is not shattered
in pieces \ How should the ghastly sight of the Tophet
and Invisible "World within us, and of the innate Inmate
that dwells within us, and hurries us into perdition, makes
self and sin more abominably vile, and loathsome then Hell
or Devill Who can hide from the Wrath of the Lamb I
Whose Grace upon the Knee, in the Ministry of his Holy
Word, so oft hath besought us and ours to be Reconciled
unto him, but we would not, Ave have with our contempt
provoked him, to deliver us up into the hand of him, who
hath the Power of Death.

Let ; s consider the Instruments Implied in this suparlative
Plague, the Devil is come down against us, the Inhabitants
of this Earth, having great Wrath, he is the Do-evil, he is
the Recorded Liar, Tempter, Accuser, and Murderer of
Souls and Bodies, and what not I They are Spirits no
more discerned by us, and as unseen as our Souls, yet so
near, piercing and contiguous as the Air, Heat, or Cold,
and it's only want of Divine Permission, if not Commis-
sion, that every one of us hath not had the experience of
all this ; they are Fallen Angels, Apostate from their Heav-
| enly First State ; should not this bring to Remembrance,
i both our Personal Fall in our First Fathers, and our Rcla-
; tive Apostacy from our Church-State '? First Love, and
1 First Works ! Our Fathers were Clothed with the Sun,
I the Apostolical Discipline and Doctrine were their Crown,
; the Moon was under their Feet, but we are turned topsy
turvy, Heads and Heels have changed places, a little from
i Heaven, was greater encouragement then a great deal from
Earth, as then was the reply of a young Preacher, to one
[ who questioned him, how he could be contented with such
• poor Fare and mean Maintenance, in a small Village ; we
.fear that Christ Jesus Indigitates at our Churches Apos-
I tacy, and at our Falling from our First Love.

And doubtless God calls us, now being Alarmed by these

Spirits,

312 A Narrative of the Planting

Spirits, to try our particular Estates, what Spirit we are of"?
Whether of new and Heaven-born State ; and also our
Worship, whether it be Spiritual, such as he who is a
Spirit, the Father of Spirits seeketh ; he found our Fathers
such of his own Making, or they would not have run the
risk of Transplanting themselves, or brought us their Chil-
dren hither : Again, are we true Worshippers % Principled
in the Truth of what Ave believe, and practice from the
Word of Truth, can we give a better account of our Church
Covenant and Fellowship, then a Bygot Papist can of
Mass, or his Auricular Confession, their Fathers did so,
and so did ours ; it was the Custome of the place they
lived in, and so is ours ; let us mind whether by these
Hellish Emissaries, God doth not loudly call upon us to
consider of these things.

Let ; s ponder upon the Subjects or Persons upon whom
this Great Wrath is fallen, they are chiefly the Members of
our Churches, or their Hearers and Dependants, none of
the Episcopal, Antipedobaptists, or Quakers perswasion,
have been complained of, to be Accusers, or Accused,
Afflicters, or Afflicted, the Devil setting up his Chappel so
near to Christ's Church, cleclareth his Malice, and especi-
ally against us, it hath been well noted by a Minister of
Note, that the Devil now contents not himself to imitate
Jewish or Popish Modes, but he will take up the Reformed
and Congregational Way ; a single Parson will not serve
his turn, but he will have Pastor and Teacher, if he can't
find a Deacon, he will not want two Widows or Deacon-
esses, his old Diabolism will not do now, to Baptise and
give Names to the Witch and her Imps, but he brings up
a new Demonianism, every Witch shall have her (so call'd)
Spectre, to attend upon her, and to be her Envoye, to Tor-
ment such as they never knew or saw ; where as it hath
bin an old saying : Ignoti nulla Cupido : No Love to a per-
son unknown, and consequently as little hatred. Sauls Evil
Spirit acting his Eyes to Malignity against David, sympa-
thised with his hand to murder him, but now between sight
and touch, a vast antipathy.

But that which we in our short Reading never read or
heard of the like before, which may make our flesh to
tremble, the joynts of our Knees to be loosed, and our very

Arteries

Of the Massachusetts Colony, fcc. 313

Arteries and Heart-strings to break in sunder, at the very
sound of it ; that these Cursed Fiends (who in the day of
our Lords Humiliation, when as he devested Ins Glory, and

took upon him the Form of a Servant, a Poor Carpenter
(to make 4 new, and mend old Houses) did then beseech him
to give them leave to enter into a parcel of Swine, and that
lie would not Torment them before their time ; That this
Glorious and Glorified Lord, Who by Death slew him who
Wad the Power of Death, that is the Devil, and upon and in
his Resurrection, made Triumph over all Derils, having Led
ihem Captive, spoiling Principalities and Powers, made shew
of them openly, after God hath highly Exalted him, even to
sit (ft his Right hand, and given him a Name above every
Name, That in the Name of Jesus, every Knee in Heaven,
"Earth, and Held should bow ; that in open defiance of all
this, now they should insult over Storm, and basely affront
the Lord of Heaven, Earth, and Hell ; the Scriptures tell
us, That the Devils Believe and Tremble ; and this w T e do
and must believe : but that a Damned Crew of Devils or
Witches at the Devils Table, with Hed Bread and Wine, in
derision of our Lords Body and Blood, should sport and
feast themselves (as some of the Confessing Witches have
said, and unsaid) with that which is their Torment and
Torture, we must cry out and say, Credat Judeus Apella,
Let an Uncircumeised Jew believe it, being no Article of any
L^nfacinated Christians Creed : Tell not this in Gath, pub-
lish it not in Askelon, lest Philistiahs Daughters Triumph
and Rejoyce.

It ; s Historied of our Pagan Progenitors, that Gregory
the Great, the last of the good, and first of bad Popes, see-
ing strange Lads of a comely Countenance produced pub-
licity to be Sold, he inquired of what Xation they were of,
being told they were Angli, English, looking upon their
fair faces, he said they were Angeli, Angels, and pittying
them that they were Vassals of Satan, he took Order for
the Conversion of our Xation to the Christian Faith ; but
as for us Nov Angli, Xew English, by our smutty deformity,
and Hells blackness, we have rendred our selves Diaboli
Veterani, Old Devils: New England will be called, new
Witch-land, Emanuels Land will be Titled the Land of
Abaddon ; Salem Village and Andover, will be called the
.l TII s.— vol. iv. 40 Sweedish

314 A Narrative of the Planting

Sweedish Mohra and Bokul ; the Country whose Native and
Natural Smell, was, as of a Field, which the Lord hath
Blessed, a Promenado abroad after Rain, would have Re-
vived a mans Spirits, as some have experienced it ; yea the
whole Continent which long after our first coming hither,
was so full not only of Internals, but of External Flavour,
and sweet Odour ; so as when Ships were divers Leagues
distant, and had not made Land, so fragrant and odorifer-
ous was the Land to the Marriners, that they knew they
were not far from the Shoar ; such was the plenty of sweet
Fearn, Lawrel, and other fragrant Simples, this Land then
abounded with ; especially near the Sea side ; such was the
scent of our Aromatick, and Balsome bearing pines,
spruces, and Larch Trees with our Tall Cedars, exceeding
all in Europe : But our sweet scent is gone, w r e smell rank
of Helle-bore, Henbane, and poysonful Hemlock, as if we
were laid out to be the American Anticyra.

We were then honoured with You only have I known of
all the Families of the Earth, but what follows 'I therefore
will I punish you. Priviledge doth not exempt from pun-
ishment, and now we are under the smart of it ; we have
been laid in the green bed of Ordinances, yea in Christ's
Bosome, under a Conjugal Covenant, and we must expect
to be punished for the breach of it ; the Lord who was jeal-
ous for our Fathers, he is jealous against us ; the wilful
neglect of Divine Institutions, brings under the same breach
of the Second Commandment, as the Superstitious setting
up of Flumane Inventions, we may set up Cross or Surplice
as lawfully as neglect any Gospel Ordinance : the grand
Promise of Christ being ahvay with his Churches, unto the
End of Ages, is conditional, and cannot be separated from
that which preceedeth, nor be claimed without that which is
annexed to it, viz. our Obedience to that Gospel Command,
which Christ reserved to take leave of his Apostles, and all
Believers ; which last words are or ought to be affecting
and soaking to parting Relations : Teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have Commanded you to do, and LO
I AM WITH YOU; Here is acljoyned Christs Note of
Lo, or Behold, calling for our greatest attention and con-
sideration, as well as being the remark of. the highest truth
and affirmation ; and both confirmed by the Amen and last

words

Of the Massachusetts Colony, frc. 315

words of him Wlto is the Faithful and true Witness, whose
Xante is . [men.

Can it be rationally supposed I that had we not receeded
from having Pastors, Teachers, and Ruling Elders, and
Churches doing their duty as formerly, with Family-Gov-
ernment kept up, that the Roaring Lion could have gained
so much ground upon us (he being resisted would have
fled) and not multiplied so many Impieties in our Towns;
or such a Number of real or reputed Witches amongst us,
as it's said in or about two Towns, above two hundred Ac-
cused, one hundred Imprisoned, thirty Condemned, and
twenty Executed ; yea. some Accused among our Rulers
in Commonwealth and Churches, as if they were become
places for Zim, Jm, and Ohim, with the Satyrs to Dance in,
Oh whither shall we go to cover our shame I Shall not
the stings of those Stygian Scorpio//* awaken us out of our
Lsethal Lethergyl Are both Wise and Foolish Virgins
asleep \ what need is there of Prayer ? that our Eyes may
be opened, and our hearts awakened, and to crie out,
Awake, awake Deborah, awake, awake, is it not high time,
as for every particular person, so for our Churches to
search, and try our ways, and return to our First Husband,
ami the good Old Way we have walked in.

The place where Satan made his first assault, and great
Battery is to be minded : there he made his grand Attack
where he first was Dethroned, and that is Salem ; his pres-
ent Rage is against it: its Original Xame was called, Naum-
kek, the Bosome of Consolation being its signification, as
the Learned have observed. It ; s now threatned to be made
a place and bosome of Desolation, and Turning Christ out
of his Throne; that where Christs Banner had been dis-
played, there the Devil with sound of Trumpet, sets up his
Ensigns, where Spiritual Songs, and Sacred Anthoms of,
Glory to God in the Highest, and Peace on Earth, and good
will towards men ; with Ainsworth, Elevated Tunes were
wont to be warbled forth ; that there the horrid Scriekings
and Screamings of Obsessed, Possessed, and Bewitched
Persons should be sounded with such hideous veilings, to
the amazement of the Hearers, as if Hell and his Furies
had been let loose.

That the Xoise of M aides and Hammers, beating down

the

316 A Narrative of the Planting

the Carved Works in the Synagogues of the Land, should
be heard where men had been Famous, whose Axes had
been lifted up for hewing and squaring Souls for Christs
Spiritual Building.

That where the Devil like Lightning had fallen down
from Heaven, before the Thundering Ministry of Christs
Boanerges, there the Black Man or Devil should be pointed
at, as visibly sitting or standing on the Beams or Seats.

Though Balac and Balam Changed Stations, and Sacri-
fices, they could not Curse, but must bless this People ;
how goodly ivere the Tents and Tabernacles of our Israel,
when our Tribes according to Scriptural Order, were
pitch'd about our Tabernacle, and the Ark of God in the
midst of us, when our Churches and Consociations were
according to Divine Directory, and Primitive Practice ; We
looked forth then as the Morning, fair as the Sun, clear as
the Moon, and terrible as an Army with Banners, no Inch an t-
ment or Divination against us, until prevailing Iniquity
and Transgression against Christs Institutions were found
among us ; our Strength then was as the strength of the
Unicorn, the shout of our King was among us, sitting upon
his Throne of Majesty, w r ith the Rainbow about his head,
surrounded with the four living Creatures, and Twenty
Four Elders, prostrating, and throwing their Crowns before
his Throne ; a Lively Emblem and Character of the first
Apostolical Churches Organized and Compleated according
to Christs Appointment, with the Couragious Lion-like
Ruling Elder, the Laborious Ox-like Pastor, the humanely
Compassionate Deacon, and the Eagle Eyed Teacher. Our
Sins exceeding Immoralities, are dipp'd in the Crimson
Tincture of Rebellion ; no marvel if our punishment be so
great, yet abundantly less then our Iniquities do deserve.

The dread of Divine Anger and Wrath, with the Guilt
of Conscience, which the Scripture of Truth declares and
dictates unto us, as unknown in its pow T er, and that accord-
ing to Gods Fear, such is his wrath ; this the wisdom of
our Antients (when Paynimes) Represented by Alecto, and
her two Sister-Furies sent out of Tartar as ^ with their Plat-
ted Chevelures, and Contorted Locks of Hissing Serpents
and Stinging Adders, Hanging below their Necks, whose
Tails, Tongues, and Teeth were full of Deadly Poyson,

enough

Of the Massachusetts Colony, v\r. 31*3

enough to Fright ;i Sensible Man out of his Wits, and our
Gallants out of their Head-Gear: [t's said to be certainly
true, that no Rattle-Snake ever was seen beyond Merrimak
River, the Boundary of our First Patent; nor that there
hath been a Convicted Witch on the other side of Piscata-
quay River; but if some 4 Creatures, may be Credited, how-
do we on this Side abound ; how do the Ignatian Loyalists
with their Perverted Proselytes, Triumph over our Poor
Captives, saving, II V ore the true Christians, yon the false,
ire no Lye, Swear, but Pray and Praise God; as indeed,
at the Late Surprise of York, before they fell to sharing
of their Plunder, they met and Snug. Te Deum Laudamus,
their Praises to God; and at their Vespers, or Nocturnal
Risings to Smoak it, they Sing even Songs and Mattens, in
the Morning in their own Language, with Harmonious
Melody, as our Captives Testify ; how doth this Reflect
upon the Thousands of Non-Praying, and Non-Praising
Family s of the English ; they tell us, Their Priests are
good Men, our Ministers are Devils, a/ul hung for Witches;
What will some of our own Nation reproach us with '?
what is become of the New-Heaven, and the New-Earth, of
your Xon parralleld Reformation you boasted of? what-
ever Piety your Fathers pretended in the Pia Mater of
their Brains, to be sure it is Ardled into impious matter of

! Devilism, in their Childrens crack'd Crowns ; and therefore
you are sent into a Region, where there is Hellebore enough,

i for all the Mazed Fanaticks in Europe ; thus is the Name

1 of GOD, His Tabernacle, and those which dwell in Heaven,
Blasphemed for our sakes ; we not giving him the Glory

; and Honour due unto his Name ; others do say, and they

• do very ill in their so speaking, what is become of your
resolved Revolution, which God is now Plagueing you fori
and the Complication of Lies, made to encourage and fur-
ther it; which of your Designs hare prospered since? Had

. you waited Gods time, you should have had it with a Bless-
ing, but bv your Lves obtaining it, vou have deeply paid
for it.

Finally, that which may call for our Higgaion Selah,
and deep Humiliation, is the consideration of the time,

| when as Hells Hurricano seas'd us, when after weary wait-
ing, in our languishing, and bleeding condition above a

Time,

318 A Narrative of the Planting

Time, Times, and half a Time; at length we were brought
to Gods Foot, our wounds not being healed, tho our Peti-
tions were not granted, yet our prayers were heard, as
appeareth by their Majesties grant of a Province Charter,
there declared, and here with great acclamation Pro-
claimed ; this we look'd at as a happy Omen of Halcyon
dayes now come to this distressed, & wounded people, in
this Junctor of time, or about the laying the Foundation
of this structure, that the great Palmony, the wonderful
numberer of times, who weighs the least minute of humane
accidents, in the exact ballance of an eternal decree, even
to the pacing of Ahabs Horses in his Chariot, that they
must not go faster or slower, then to reach the very spot,
where the Dogs had lick'd up Naboths Blood, there to lick
up Ahabs ; that then this Euroclydon should be raised, to
the Total Puine of the whole Fabrick ; that when accord-
ing to Gods gracious Promise unto Israel of old, the Royal
Concession unto us was, That our Nobles should be of our
selves, and that our Governour should proceed from the midst
of us, and that God would make him to draw nigh unto him,
and that he did approach unto him : That then Hells rage
did seize us, to the breaking us in pieces, if Satans Strata-
gem had taken effect, according to the wasting Progress
made, that when as we hoped, God should have been ours,
and our Childrens God as aforetime, and our Congregations
established for ever ; that then we should render ourselves,
or be rendred by others, as the Sons of the Sorceress, and
Children of the Adulteress: what high songs of praise do
we owe unto Sions God, for the discovering of Apollions
Wiles, Depths and Deceits ; and for Spiriting one of the
Tribe of Zebulon, rais'd up from among us, by finding out
the Treasures hid in the Sands, which hath highly tended
to the raising of him to Honour, and the enrichment of
himself, and Nation ; who being Divinely destinated, &
humanely Commissionated to be the Pilot and Steers-man
of this poor Bemisted, and Befogg'd Vessel, in the Mare
Mortuum, and Mortiferous Sea of Witchcraft, and Fascina-
tion ; by Heavens Conduct according to the integrity of his
heart, not trusting the Helm in any other Hand, he being
by God and their Majesties bestrusted therewith, he so
happily shaped, and steadily steered her Course, as she

escaped

Of the Massachusetts Colony, &c. 319

escaped Shipwrack, either upon the Stygian Scilla, or the
Achorontal Charibdis, and mm is safely Moared in the
Pacijique Sea, and under the Cape of Bone Esperance; he
being also by the same Hand appointed, to be this Peoples
Chieftain ; by the Prudence of his hands, and strengthned
bv the Aries of the mighty God of Jacob, managed the
sharp Two Edged Sword, to him committed, incomparably
excelling that of the Great Alexander, to the Cutting in
Bunder of the Circean knot of Inchantment, abundantly
more difficult to be dissolved, then the Famous Gordian
one of Old: he being also led by divine inspiration, of
Our Blessed Gods-Spell and the most sure Word of Proph-
esy, infinitely surpassing the Famous Thred and Cine of
Ariadne, hath extricated us out of the Winding and Crook-
ed Labyrinth of Hells Meander.

Let all he improved to the high Honour of him, who
had he not been on our Side, Now may New England say,
Had he nut been on our side, when not only men, but Devils
rose up against us, we had been swallowed up quick, the
proud Hares had gone over our souls ; Blessed be the Name
of the Lord, who gave us not up to be a prey unto their
Teeth, let our help be in the Name of the Lord, tcho hath
made Heaven, Earth, and Hell.

Oh that now this token for good, may be improved to
the quickening of us, to breaking off the Covenant made
with Death, that it may be disanulled, and our Agreement
witli Hell, that it may not stand ; and to make sure our
Interest in the firm, sure, precious and tried Foundation,
and Corner Stone, which with a Behold of Attention and
Admiration, God hath Laid in Sion : Let this preventing
Mercy Encourage poor Starv'd Prodigals, to return to their
Fathers House, acknowledging our selves unworthy to be
his Sons ; no, not his Msenial Servants. Own we our
selves to be Lukewarm Laodiceans, wambling upon the
Stomach of our Blessed Lord, and no place fitter to case
himself of us, then by spuing us into Hell, as was said of
Capo ma um ; we are as ignorant, as arrogant, we are Rich,
want for nothing, but know not our Poverty, Blindness, or
Nakedness ; we trust and boast our selves in lying words,
of the Temple of the Lord, and that we are Christ's Non-
such Garden, for him to "Walk and Recreate himself in:

But

320 A Narrative of the Planting

But alas ! we are neither hot nor cold, a parcel of Mungrel
Interpendants ; we are not of the Episcopal Form, we
allow no Superiority in our Churches, nor Officers ; where
there is but one Officer, there cannot be Preference nor
Disparity ; and how many of our Churches have more ]
"We are not Presbyterians, for their declared Discipline,
and their practice is accordingly ; they have one Pastor,
and two Puling Elders, in their least Congregations ; and
as their Flock increaseth, so they multiply their Officers ;
but we on the contrary ; when a Churches Foundation
hath been laid, they had not the Number of Forty Mem-
bers in their Body ; they solemnly then engaged, with
hands lifted up to Heaven, not to be without two Teaching,
and two Puling Elders, and for a while they publickly
practised, chusing two Puling Elders, Ordained a Pastor
and Puling Elder, and sent the other to bring over a
Teacher, which was done ; but when they are now multi-
plied vastly above the Number, more then at first, they
content themselves with one Teaching, and never a Puling
Officer ; when as there are, as it's said, above two thousand
Souls under Church Watch, & none Officially to Pule
and Watch over them ; is not this Taking Gods Name in
vain ; and as for the Congregational Way, we Nominally
profess it ; but if we Pead the Plat-form of our Church
Discipline, or the way of the Congregational Churches of
New-England, w r e may see how much we are varyed from
it, and gone back from the way, our Fathers and our
selves have been instructed in, and have received upon the
Divine Authority of the Holy Word, and formerly walked
accordingly.

Let's not halt between two Opinions, if our Fathers
W 7 ays were Scriptural, let us practically Justify them, if
they be not, let us be Humbled and Peform ; we pray that
the Lord would lead and keep us in his Truth, and restore
us to Walk in Christ, as we have received him ; though
our Pust is so inveterately Cankered, as no scowring will
fetch it out ; let's Beg that the Peflners Fire, which the
Lord is purging the Sons of Levi with, may effectually
melt us down, that we may be fitted as Vessels of Honour,
Sanctified and Prepared unto every good Work, and made fit
for our Masters Use: Let this stimulate us to hearken

unto

Of the Massachusetts Colony, §-c 32]

unto what the Spirit saith unto the Churches, not advancing
mens Polliticks, before Gods [nstitutes, nor humane Pru-
dentials, before Christ's Credentials; take we heed of dis-
gust against Scripture Purity, and plainness ; and sec that
the true Faith and Discipline received from our Godly and
Holy Fathers, may be handed down to us, and to our Chil-
dren, bringing forth practical Holiness, whereby as they
Justified their Profession, so we ma}' in our laves and
Conversations make evident, the Holiness and Faithful-
ness of our and their Heavenly Father; that Religion and
the true Ways of God in his Worship and Discipline,
may not evaporate into Form, without the Power of God-
liness, nor be Buried in our Predecessors Graves, but
that it may in the midst of years Revive, to that which
was New Englands Glory: In our first times no complaint
of Churches being incompleat of Officers, nor for want of
Maintenance for them, nor for want of Materials to choose
Officers fit to Rule ; some have observed this Failure hath
been upon, private Brethrens Obstructions, a discourage-
ment of discourse among themselves, unless it were such,
as they had from the Press or Pulpit ; Doth it not reflect
upon the Churches King and Law-giver ? who both re-
ceived and gave gifts to men, that the Lord God might
dwell among them, yea, among the Rebellious : Shall our
Churches lie under the Curse of Barren Wombs and Dry
Breasts I Is Bethel Barren, and Athens Fruitful % Shall
Cambridge the School of our Young Prophets be pregnant,
and an Alma Mater, a Bountiful Mother with her Breasts,
exuberating with Radiant Beams, and Sacred Streams, to the
making glad the City of our God; in sending forth such as
are Accomplished with exquisite and requisite Talents,
to fit them to the Ministerial Work of Christ's Holy Tem-
ple. And shall our Churches, which should be Sion Col-
ledges \ and the Mothers of old and young Disciples now
be sterile \ Neither capable to bring forth, Nurse, or
Educate any, which may be fit for Rule in them ; shall
they be capable of no other Name, but of the Layty or
this People, which was imposed upon them, by such as
Arrogated to themselves the Title of the Clergy, or of being
Gods Lot.

Our King is blameless, but how much our Churches are
4th s.— vol. it. 41 blame-worthy,

322 A Narrative of the Planting

blame-worthy, the Lord give us to consider ; for Brethren
of low degree, to say they know not the way of the Lord,
they are of mean Estates, and low Capacities, their Counsel
will not meet with acceptance, as some others might do ;
go to the Brethren of high degree, they know the way of
the Judgments of the Lord, but they cast off the Yoke of
the Lord ; their occasions will not bear or admit of so
mean an Employ as to be a Ruling Elder.

It's Recorded to the high Honour of the French Re-
formed Churches, that not many years since, at a National
Synod held at Charenton, very nigh unto Paris, the Me-
tropolis of that Nation ; in the sight of all the French
Nobility, and Gallantry, there appeared twelve or sixteen
Barons, Lords, and Esquires, who esteemed not themselves
debased, to appear as Members of that Synodical Society,
and indeed were all of them Ruling Elders of their Re-
spective Congregations, and truly the Glory of Christ in
his Churches : This is asserted in the Synodicon Gallia;
Reformats.

May we not fear that we render our selves highly Crim-
inal against the Prerogative of this King of Kings, and
Lord of Lords ; who besides what is recorded in the Scrip-
ture of Truth, that when he took leave of his Apostles at
his Ascension, What he then gave in Charge to them ; he
afterward doubled the same by the great and last Apostle
of the Gentile Churches ; instructing Timothy in Christ's
Name, how he should behave himself in the Church,
and House of God ; he doth upon the highest adjuration
which can be mentioned, Enjoyn him, as he will answer it
before God, before Jesus Christ, and the Elect Angels, that
he should observe those things ; namely, the Canons he had
before appointed about Church Order and Officers ; that he
should mind those things, without preferring one before
another, doing nothing by partiallity ; there must be no par-
tial dealing, no preferment of one Commandment of Christ
before another, Deacons must not be kept in place, with
rejection of the Elders that Ruled well, nor others debarr'd
of their double Honour, especially those who laboured in
the Word and Doctrine ; and the Holy All-wise God know-
ing that the Churches would Apostatize, and that Anti-
christ whose Mystery of Iniquity then wrought, would in

special

Of the Massachusetts Colony ^ frc. 323

special manner run encounter to Scripture Purity, and pol-
lute the Sanctuary Streams of Church Ordinances and Offi-
cers., especially Ruling Elders, because of their pragmati-
calness with the Teaching Elders, about Church Rule, he
jumbled and made 4 one Officer of Teaching and Ruling
Elders, prudentially to avoid Seism, and called them both
Presbyters or Priests ; mean while he courted and carressed
the Deacons whom he distinguished ; some he called Sub-
Deacons, to attend the Vestry, to help on the Surplices and
holy Garments of the Priests or Presbyters ; others he
advanced to hear Auricular Confessions, and say Mass;
but prudently considering that the Care and Trust of the
Church Stock and Treasury was committed unto them ;
especially when it was augmented with that called Constan-
tines (nft. concerning which, History tells us of a voice
heard in the Heavens: Ilodie venenum effunditur, &c. This
day pay son is pow red info the Churches: That Man of Sin
foreseeing how useful Deacons might be to his Clergy, he
advanced the Gravest of them to be Arch Deacons, and to
be of the number of Cardinals, so called, because they are
the Cardines Hooks or Hinclges that the Scarlet Whores
Chair or Seat hangs on : This cursed Conclave are the only
Elected and Electors of the Pope ; their work on High
Festivals is to Vest their Pontifex Maximus in bis Pontiji-
calibus of Purple and Scarlet, decked with Jewels and
Gold, vastly exceeding all Imperial State ; and the Splen-
dor of Jaddus the High-priest appearing to Alexander, to
confirm him in his Conquest of the World. Whilst at the
High Altar he is Offering up the Blasphemous Sacrifice,
these Arch-Deacons attend upon him, as other Deacons at
the Lords Supper. Let the Candid Reader pass by this
digression, designed to shew what a fine Thred this Mys-
tery of Iniquity at first spun ; but now the Son of Perdition
Sits as God in the Temple of God, whom Christ will destroy
icith the Brightness of his Coming, frc. Christ renews and
doubleth the same Charge in the same Epistle, as it were
Adjuring and Conjuring Timothy, and in him all the
Churches, In the sight of God, as they look to answer it, at
that Great Day, and before Jesus Christ, who made a good
Confession before Pontius Pilate, that they keep his Com-
mandment without spot, and unrebukable, until the Appearing

324 A Narrative of the Planting

of Jesus Christ : How should all these Obtestations and
Injunctions make all New-England Church-Members and
Officers dreadfully to quake and tremble, under the consid-
eration of what Guilt we lay under, by breach of this Com-
mand.

Moreover the King of Saints, and Lord of Heaven and
Earth, having Magnified and Exalted this People above any
in the lower world, with Charter Priviledge to im-body
themselves into Spiritual Corporations founded upon
Divine Institutions, and directed by Scriptural ."Regula-
tions ; by which Charter of Eight, they are Impowred to
Assemble and Incorporate themselves, to Chuse and Ap-
point their own Officers, acting the whole in his Sacred
Majesties Name, and Solely by his Authority, that agreeing
together, he hath pass'cl under the great Seal of Heaven,
and given his Royal Parole Oath, and Amen, to bind or
loose in heaven, whatsoever they shall bind or loose on
earth ; the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are given to
this Church, Confessing and Professing Christ to be the
Son of the living God : the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it : yea, he whose Name is I AM, is in the Midst of
two or three, assembled in his Name & Authority ; but
if they by their factions, or fractions, cannot agree, or thro
their sullen wilfulness, do Nonuser, Dejnser, Refuser any of
these Sacred Statutes, which they by Scripture Charter are
oblidg'd to act by, they forfeit their Franchise, & may
expect a Divine Quo-warranto, to be sued out by their King
against them, WHO REQUIRED THIS AT YOUR
HANDS 1 THIS IS NOT THE FEAST, FAST *OR
DUTY THE LORD REQUIRES. By not observing all
things he hath Commanded, they forfeit the challenge of his
promised Presence with them, if they refuse any Officer,
which he hath instated in the Churches, they expose them-
selves to the Forfeiture of the said Charter.

And he who knoweth not, what a Deluge of Supersti-
tions was by this door of neglect, let into the first Churches,
he is not so vers'd in divine and humane Church History,
as the time of the fulfilling Prophesy we are cast into, calls
for : our crying out, The Temple of the Lord, will not free
us from being Dischurched, more then Jerusalem was ; she
was sent to Shilo. N, England needs not to Travel into

Asia

Of the Massachusetts Colony, frc. ; >'i<">

Asia to learn it; every poor French Refugee, who hath set
his Foot in N. England, Preacheth it unto us. whose
Churches have yielded more Faithful Martyrs, then all the
other Reformed Churches in Europe; their care of Supply-
ing the Poor Churches, out of the Large Treasury, and by
the Liberality of the Richer, was Exemplary; and the Pro-
viding Maintenance to the Widows, and Orphans of their
Deceased Pastors, was Presidential; it was the special
"Work of their National Synods, and doth condemn us;
Christ that knows their Charity, Service, Faith, and Pa-
tience after their Re-reformation, will make this Thyatiras
last works to be more than her first. Oh that we might apply
our Hearts to these things, that they may sink into our
Souls ! Kings out of their Natural Clemency, may abate
from the Severity of Law, but if contempt be added, it
aggravates the Offence ; Our case is such as only Sovcraign
Grace can Cure; God hath oft wrought for his Names
Sake, Let us Plead it with him, Lord we are called by thy
Name, Leave us not, Let us not be abhor rd for thy Names
Sake ; Let not the Throne of Thy Glory, be further Dis-
graced, before Popish and Pagan Adversaries I

Its said that none but Parliaments Laxness to maintain
their just and legal Proprieties can nndo the Body Poli-
tick of a Nation ; so none can undo our Spiritual Corpora-
tions, but their Members; giving up their due just Church
Power and Privileclgc, into the hands of some Diotrephes,
as befel the Primitive Churches.

As we began with a caution from our great Cotton, so
we shall draw to a conclusion with the Animadversion of
the great Congregational Champion, Dr. Owen, who in the
Vindication of these Churches from Seism, charg'd upon
them by Dr : Stilling sfleet ; the said Reverend Man, who
there, and in his other Elaborate Works upon that subject,
doth but Paraphrase and Comment upon the Book of Mr.
Cottons Keys, as he himself hath published to the World ;
in answer to Mr. Cawdry, That upon search of the Scrip-
tures, and weight of Argument thence deduced, finding
the Work of the Keyes exactly answering the Wards of the
Lock of Christs Kingdom ; he was proselited from the
Classical, unto the Congregational Wav of Churches. Let
it with all submissiveness be considered, whether its Rumi-
nation

o2() A Narrative of the Planting

nation may not be our concern, who Writing of the State of
these Churches saith : That when a People through an
apprehension of their own ignorance, weakness, and unmeet-
ness (-well if it he not Laziness and Idleness) to discern and
judge matters of Religion for themselves ; and their own
duty be kept and debar' d from it, or when through their
own sloth, negligence and vitiousness, shall be really uncapa-
be to manage their own interest in Church Affairs, as fit
only to be governed, if not as Bruit Creatures, yet as mute
persons ; these things shall be imply ed by the ambition of the
Clergy, ingrossing all things in the Church, to themselves, as
they did in former Ages: That if the old Popedom do not
Return, a new one will be Erected as bad as the other : God
forbid this prognostick should be the Fate of our Churches ;
yet when we read the Apostle Pauls advice to Colosse, Say
to Archippus, Take heed to thy Ministry, which thou hast
Received of the Lord ; when we consider the neglect of it,
we know not what to say.

The said Learned Man, in a Book Published since his
Death, concerning the Rule and Order of Congregational
Churches, which he asserts to be the only Apostolical
Churches, both according to the Rules of Scripture, and
according to the Example of Primitive Humane Antiqui-
ties, to whom next unto the Sacred Scriptures, we owe
greatest Veneration and Credence, which he in the said
Book citeth, in that discourse, treating of the Puling El-
ders Office and Duty, he saith, I admire that any man
should have so much confidence in his own Abilities, so as to
suppose himself Meet, and Able, for the Discharge of both
sorts of Elders in the least Church of Christ ; In the same
Treatise, he further affirms, Its evident, that neither the
Purity, Order, nor the Beauty, or Glory of the Churches of
Christ, nor his Majesty, or Authority in the Government of
them, can be long preserved without the multiplication of
Elders in them, according to the proportion to the Number
of their respective Members ; for want whereof, the Churches
of old, and late, have Degenerated into Anarchy, or Con-
fusion, or else given themselves up, unto the dominion of some
prelatical Teachers to rule at pleasure, which was the poison
and bane of the other Primitive Churches ; and they will do
the same for the future, in the neglect of this Order.

Of the Massachusetts Colony, frc. 32K

(iod avert these sad Omens, that they should befal our
Churches; and yet when we read how the Mystery of In-
iquity wrought apparently in some who loved the prehemi-
nence, even in the Apostles time, we are at a loss, and
humbly leave it with him, whose Face is not to be seen, but
his hack parts only, while he is passing before us in his
Glory, and taking away his hand.

J lath not New-England experienced this great truth,
What is become of the Majesty, Authority, and Glory of
Christs Appearing in our Churches, unto which Christs
Defence is promised when we were compleated according
to Rule, as at the first : Let's take Christs Counsel, to Re-
member from whence we are Fallen, fy Repent ; Remember
our Kulers which have declared unto us the Word of God,
whose Faith follow, considering what hath been the end
of their Conversation ; Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to
<l<ii/ and for ever. Let's not be carried about with divers
doctrines, and call to mind what Memento our Reverend
Norton hath left to chew upon.

In his Treatise call'd, The Heart of New-England, rent
at the Blasphemies of the Times, whose words are : It con-
terneth New-England always to remember, that originally
they are a PLANTATION Religious, not a PLANTATION
of Trade ; the Profession of the Purity of Doctrine, Wor-
ship a ad Discipline, is written upon their Forehead ; a spot
of this vast Jeshimon converted into Corn-fields, Orchards,
Streets Inhabited, and a place of Merchandise cannot
denominate New-England, all these notwithstanding if she
fall away from her Profession, call her Ichabod, The Glory

I is Departed ; in such a case, what was said of Samnium,
sometimes a Famous City in Italy, viz. That thev could
not find SAMNIUM in SAMNIUM, will be verified in
these Churches ; viz. That NEW-ENGLAND is not to be
found in NEW-ENGLAND, nor BOSTON in BOSTON.

1 God forbid, that after New-England hath now shined
Twenty Years and more, like a Light upon an Hill, it
should at last go out in the snuff of Morel ian ism ; thus far
the words of Bostons great and second Seraphical Teacher,
who Forty Years since, declared these Fears about us ; as
will further appear in the last page of this Scribled Nar-
rative, in his Funeral Elegy upon Mr. Cottons Death.

When

328 A Narrative of the Planting

When our Stocks and Farms were not so multiplied, nor |
our Trade and Merchandise so increased, nor the Number
of our Members, nor Mortuaries, so great as now. As
Holy Herbert in his Pious Poems foretold of us.

As Gold and Grace never yet did agree,
Religion alway siding with Poverty.
That as the Church shall thither Westward flie,
So Sin shall Trace and Dog her instantly.

Yet we could maintain our Officers. No question was
then about the Ministers Tables, how they should be sup-
plied ; the Silver and Gold in Darius, his Exchequer was
the Lords, and he brought it out to advance Temple-work ;
if the Church Stock needed Enlargement, a word then
from the Deacons was sufficient to bring forth more then
enough, yea to Moses calling for a restraint ; such inlarg-
edness of heart then appeared, as some old Planters may
Pern ember.

It was an awful Speech of a Worthy Minister of the
Gospel lately utter'd upon a Fast-Day in a neighbour Con-
gregation ; that he feared the Churches did not under-
stand the cause of Gods present Controversy ; that it was
Reformation God looked for, who us ; d this Motive to pro-
voke to Duty ; that if the present Generation did not
attend and do their Duty, the next should not, and would I
not be capable of it ; and indeed how can it be expected,
That they should Reform that which they know not to be
an evil, nor to fall upon practice of an unknown Precept;
Pastors and Teachers are accounted as Supernumeraries ;
no Pule but for one Officer in a Church ; and as for
Puling Elders, they have been taken up by Tradition ;
that there is but one word in the whole Bible for them ;
yet the Faith once given to the Saints, is earnestly (yet !
Regularly) to be contended for by them ; but they will
find them more than twice mentioned, in Rom. 12. among j
Church Officers, viz. The Teacher is to attend on Teaching, \
the Pastor or Exhorter, on Exhortation ; the Giver, to do it
with simplicity ; He that Ruleth, with diligence : can there I
be a fuller description of the Ruling Elders Office and I
Work, then here is declared, & also in the Plat-form of
Church Discipline. It's therefore no Humane Invention,

nor

Of the Massachusetts Colony, &c. 329

nor Apochriphal Practice 4 of our Predecessors: It's Re-
tnembred by some of the Old Planters Children, that there
were such men, when they were young, that were called
Ruling Elders ; but what men they were, or what was their
work, they professed they could not tell: What a shame is
it to our Churches, that through Disuse, Misuse, and Non-
use of them, such a question should be put to any of above
Fifty Years of A.ge, now living among us ; all which is
affirmed for a certain known Truth.

The same Reverend man of God, being imployed the
last Narraganset Wars, by our Worthy Elders, to make
Report and Return to tbe General Court, of the provoking-
evils then found among us, did represent to them, the
Churches incompleatness of Officers, to be one of the great
evils, Provocations, & grounds of Displeasure unto God,
then among us, some replied unto him, That the country
and Churches were poor, and could not maintain them ; he
made them a Ready, Grave, and Divine Answer, True, (said
he) were they mens Officers ; there were argument in what
they said, but being GODS Officers, there was no ground
for fear of it ; he having Promised and said, Prove and try
me ; if we could but trust him, he would open the Heavens,
and pour down his Blessings : it's Robbing of God we are
now r call'd to an account for, we fear that Covetuousness,
Pride, and Ambition, hinders the Discovery of our Achan,
The Lord pour down upon this House of David, and the
Inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of Grace, and Suppli-
cation, and that he would open the Fountain for Sin and
Unclean ness ; that Holiness unto the Lord may be writ upon
our hearts, houses, and employments, whether Sacred or civil,
and upon our Posteritys.

As we have cause to weep over and bewail our former
tears, begging that they may be washed in the Blood of the
Lamb, so that these our faint Sighs and Sobs may be Cor-
dial, and accepted in the Blood of the everlasting Cov-
enant, that what we say, may be realized in our' Souls.
The good Lord direct our Llearts into the knowledge of
his love ; waiting for the Pouring forth of his Spirit upon
ourselves, and the rising generation, that we may discern,
and by the Divine Aids thereof, be enabled, to do the re-
4 TH s.— vol. iv. 42 spective

330 A Narrative of the Planting, frc.

spective work of our Generation, according to the will of
GOD, before these things be hid from our Eyes.

That we may have the tasts of that Mercy and Grace,
springing from the Love of the Father, who knows the
thoughts of his own heart, and manifests them to poor
Penitents, that they passing through the heart of him, who
layeth in the Fathers Bosome, may descend into our hearts,
by the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, which Blessed Circula-
tion Eeverting by the Operation of the same Spirit which
maketh requests for us, who know not to pray as we ought,
and passing thro 4 the heart, and hands of our great Me-
diator, may arrive, & ascend into the heart of the Father,
who is the Origine and Fountain of all Blessedness, (the
Father himself loving us.)

That this Spirit may make intercession for us, with
Groans which can't be uttered, he that searches the hearts,
knowing what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God ;
Oh that we might experience these things, that this Heav-
enly Dove sent into our hearts, may make us groan, and
mourn, like those in the Clefts of the Rocks, that as the
whole Creation growns, and travails in pain, with Necks
stretched out, waiting to be delivered from their Bondage
and Corruption, into the Liberty of the Sons of God ; that
we receiving the first fruits thereof, may with Eyes and
Hands lifted up, wait for the Adoption, even the Pedemp-
tion of our Souls and Bodies ; which Great Grace, the
GOD OF ALL GRACE, Grant to us, and our Poor
Children, with all his ISRAEL ; For the Sake of Our Dear
LORD JFSUS, to whom with the FATHER, and
HOL Y SPIRIT, Be the Kingdom, Power, and Glory,
For Ever, AMEN.

A FUNERAL

ELEGY,

Upon the Death of the truly Reverend

Mr. JOHN COTTON.

Late Teacher of a Church of Christ at Boston in New-
England : Who Died the Twenty Third, was Buried
the Twenty Ninth of

December. 1652.

4 ND after Winthrop, Hooker, S hep hear ds Herse,
/~\ Doth Cottons Death call for a Mourning Verse.
Thy Will be done, yet Lord who dealeth thus,
Make this great Death expedient for us.
Luther pull'd down the Pope, Calvin the Prelate slew,
Of Calvi?i i s Lapse, chief Cure to Cottons due.
Cotton whose Learning, Temper, Godliness,
The Germane Phoenix lively did express.
Melancthon's all, may Luther's word but pass
Mela?ictho?i l s all, in our Great Cotton was.
Then him in Flesh scarce dwelt a better one,
So great's our Loss when such a Spirit's gone.
Whilst he was here, Life was more Life to me,
Now he is not, Death hence less Death to me.

Sl)at Comets great mens bcatlj bo oft forego,

®I)is present Comet ootl) too saMri sljotu,

9Ct)ts JJropljct's bcatr, net must tn's Doctrine speak,

£l)is Comet saitl), else must JCeiu-Cnglanb break.

tOtjat e're it be, tlje fjccro'ns anert it far,

&l)at iileteors sljoulb succeed our greatest Star.

In Bosto?is Orb Winthrop and Cotton were,
These Lights Extinct, Dark is our Haemisphere.
In Boston once how much shin'd of our Glory,
We now Lament, Posterity will Story.
Let Boston live, who had and saw their Worth,
And did them honour, both in Life and Death.
To him New-England trust in this Distress,
Who will not leave his Exiles Comfortless.

John Norton,

FINIS.

Reader, Be pleased in page 18 for Christopher Gardner
Read Sir Christopher Gardner.

THE EXTINCTION OF SLAVERY IN

MASSACHUSETTS.

A PAPER READ BEFORE THE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

AT THEIR MONTHLY MEETING, APRIL, 1857,

BY EMORY WASHBURN.

Much interest has been felt, of late years, to know when,
and under what circumstances, slavery ceased to exist in
Massachusetts.

I recollect, among other evidences of this, being applied
to by Mr. Webster, a few years before his death, for such
facts as I happened to possess on the subject, in order to
aid him in the investigation he was making in regard to
the extinction of slavery here, which he said he had not
been able satisfactorily to determine.

The generally received notion is, that slavery was extin-
guished by the adoption of the Constitution of Massachu-
setts, which declared all men free and equal. And it is
undoubtedly true, that soon after it was adopted, it was
definitely and definitively declared that the relation of mas-
ter and slave did not exist within the Commonwealth.

But could we arrive at the true history of the state of
public sentiment — a power often quite as strong as the
law, and always, in some measure, an exponent of the law
itself — we should, I think, find that the Constitution, with
its Bill of Rights, was literally a declaration of what the
people regarded as already their rights, rather than an
exposition of any newly adopted abstract principles, or
dogmas, to be wrought out into a practical system by any
course of future legislation under a new regime.

There is no question that slavery and slaves existed here
in some form, and to some extent, from the time Maverick

334 The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts.

was found dwelling on Noddle's Island in 1630. Men and
women were bought and sold in market, inventoried as
property, and held to have the settlements of their masters
in the character of slaves.

But after all, the laws on this subject, as well as the
practice of the government, were inconsistent and anoma-
lous, indicating clearly, that whether Colony or Province,
so far as it felt free to follow its own inclinations, uncon-
trolled by the action of the mother country, Massachusetts
was hostile to slavery as an institution.

Thus we find, among other evidence of the prevalence
of this sentiment, one of the articles of the " Body of Lib-
erties " which are preserved in the 8th Volume, 3d Series
Historical Collections, declares " there shall never be any
bond slaverie, villenage or captivitie, unless it be lawful
captives, taken in just wars, and such strangers as willingly
sell themselves, or are sold to us." And another guaranties
to all men, whether " inhabitant or foreigner, free or not
free," liberty to " come to any public court, council or
town meeting, and either by speech or writing, to move
any lawful, or seasonable, or material question, or present
any necessary motion, complaint, petition, bill or informa-
tion," &c, clearly recognizing them alike as having the
rights of suitors in courts, and the qualified rights of citi-
zens, so far at least as to be heard as petitioners. And
this, it will be remembered, was as early as 1641.

But I pass over the various laws and acts of the Colo-
nists upon this subject, to notice the case of James vs.
Lechmere, which was decided in 1769, and which involved
the right of a master to hold slaves here, as we are told in
Dr. Belknap's letter to Judge Tucker, 4 Hist. Coll. 1st
Series, 202.*

This, it will be recollected, was nearly two years before
the famous decision of Lord Mansfield, in Somersett's
case ; and if Dr. Belknap's account of the matter be cor-

* The term at which judgment in this action was rendered, was held in Suf-
folk, October 31, 1769. The action was commenced in the Inferior Court of
Common Pleas, May 2, 1769, and the plaintiff declared in trespass for assault
and battery, and imprisoning and holding the plaintiff in servitude from April 11,
1758, to the date of the writ. Judgment in the lower Court was rendered for the
defendant. The plaintiff appealed, and in the Superior Court the defendant was
defaulted, and judgment was rendered for an agreed sum with costs.

The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts. 385

rert, the decision rested substantially upon some of the
same grounds as that on which Lord Mansfield based his
opinion. -On the part of the blacks," says Dr. Belknap,
11 it was pleaded that the Royal Charter expressly declared
all persons born or residing in the Province to be as free as
the King's subjects in Great Britain; that by the laws of
England, no man can be deprived of his liberty, but by the
judgment of his peers ; that the laws of the Province re-
specting an evil existing, and attempting to mitigate or
regulate it, did not authorize it," &c.

That these positions were not lightly or unadvisedly
taken, we may be assured from the fact that they were
urged by such a man as Jonathan Sewall, at that time the
Attorney General of the Province, and a profound and able
law yer.

The decision of the Court was in favor of the liberty of
the negro.

And if this were the place for speculation, I should feel
myself warranted in assuming that our Courts always
regarded, and as early as 1769, solemnly adjudged the
attempt to hold any person not captured and brought and
sold here, but bom here, as a slave, not justified by law,
although he mieht be the child of a slave. This would
not be inconsistent with the extract I have given from the
" Body of Liberties," and is in accordance with what Dr.
Belknap says was the ground taken in some cases — " that
though the slavery of the parents be admitted, yet no dis-
ability of that kind could descend to children."

This conjecture is, moreover, strengthened by the argu-
ments by which it was attempted to sustain slavery as an
institution after the adoption of the Constitution, viz. ; that
the declaration in the Bill of Rights as to freedom or
equality referred to the children of slaves, and did not
emancipate such as could be proved to have been actually
sold and purchased, as such, before its adoption.

I have thought these explanations a necessary and proper
' introduction to a brief history which I propose to offer, of
i the case, or rather cases, for there were three in number,
involving the same point, in which by the verdict of a jury,
with the approbation of the highest Court, it was declared
authoritatively that slavery no longer existed in Massa-
chusetts.

336 The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts.

The cases to which I allude were Quork Walker vs.
Nathaniel Jettison, Nathaniel Jenison vs. John Caldwell
and Seth Caldwell, and the Commonwealth vs. Nathaniel
Jenison. The civil actions were commenced in the Inferior
Court of Common Pleas for the County of Worcester, at
the June term, 1781.

The first of these was trespass for an alleged assault and
beating of plaintiff by the defendant with the handle of a
whip, on the 30th of the previous April.

The answer of the defendant alleged that one Caldwell
being possessed of said Quork, " as of her own proper
negro slave," married and became the wife of defendant,
whereby he became possessed of said Quork " as of his
own proper negro slave " — and " prayed judgment of the
Court if said Quork to his said writ ought to be an-
swered."

The plaintiffs replication was, that he was a freeman,
and not the proper negro slave of defendant, and this w T as
the issue raised by the pleadings of the parties, to be tried
by the jury.

In the second of the above actions, Jenison sued the
Caldwells in an action of the case, for enticing away the
same Quork, a negro man and servant of the plaintiff, from
his service, and rescuing him out of the plaintiff's hands,
and preventing his reclaiming and reducing his said servant
to his business and services, they knowing said negro to be
the plaintiff's servant. He laid his damages at £1,000.
The case was tried at the Inferior Court upon the general
issue, and a verdict rendered for the plaintiff for £25.
From this judgment the defendants appealed to the Supe-
rior Court, and a trial had there, in September, 1781, when
a verdict was rendered for the defendants.

The indictment above-mentioned was for beating said
Quork, and resulted in the conviction of the defendant.

The Court before which the first of the above cases was
tried, was held by Moses Gill, Chief Justice, and Samuel
Baker and Joseph Dorr, Assistant Justices.

The counsel for the plaintiff — the negro — were Caleb
Strong and Levi Lincoln ; for the defendant, Judge Sprague
and William Stearns ; and abler advocates could not then,
or since, have been easily found to sustain the cause of the
slave.

The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts. 387

Neither of the judges were educated as lawyers. The
Chief Justice belonged to Princeton, and was afterwards
known as Governor Gill, having become the acting Gov-
ernor upon the death of Governor Sumner in 17W). He
was bred, and for many years engaged in the business of
a merchant. Baker was a farmer in Berlin, and Dorr a
farmer at that time in Ward, now Auburn, though a short
time before that residing in Mendon. They were there-
fore probably, like the jury, the exponents of public sen-
timent in the direction they gave to the trial, rather than
the organs of any profound legal or constitutional views
in regard to the rights of the parties.

The verdict of the jury was, in substance, that said Quork
" is a freeman, and not the proper negro slave of the defend-
ant,' 1 and they assessed damages against the defendant in
£60 ; and judgment was rendered accordingly.

From this judgment the plaintiff appealed, as the defend-
ants did in the other case, as has been already stated. But
after the decision of the latter case in the defendant's favor,
the plaintiff failed to prosecute his appeal in this ; so that,
in all the cases, the final judgment of the court was adverse
to the claims of the master, and in favor of the negro,
declaring and regarding him as a free man.

I have before me the brief used by Mr. Lincoln, on the
trial of Jcnison vs. Caldwell, before a jury in the Superior
Court, the substance of which I propose to transcribe, the
same having been kindly furnished me by his son, for many
years Governor of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Lincoln was one of the ablest lawyers in the State.
His business was very extensive, and he was engaged as
leading counsel in some of the most important causes in
several of the counties in Massachusetts, as well as in
Maine. He was not only a profound and learned lawyer,
but an eloquent and popular advocate. He was, at this
time, in the thirty-second year of his age. In 1800, he
was elected to Congress, and the following year received
the appointment of Attorney-General of the United States
from President Jefferson, between whom and himself there
was a great personal intimacy and regard. In 1808, he
discharged, for more than half a year, the duties of
Governor, upon the death of Governor Sullivan, and in
4th s. — vol. iv. 43

338 The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts.

1811 was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of
the United States, which office he was obliged to decline
by the loss of vision, which became almost total towards
the close of his life.

Gov. Strong was four years the senior of Mr. Lincoln in
age, but neither acted as what is known as " senior counsel,"
since a full closing argument was addressed to the jury by
each of the counsel, one speaking in behalf of one of the
defendants, and the other for the other.

Gov. Strong is too well known, in the history of Massa-
chusetts, to render it necessary to say a word of him per-
sonally. He was the leading advocate in the western and
middle parts of the State, at the bar, and a zealous cham-
pion in the cause of the oppressed.

Though the names of the counsel who were opposed to
them may be less generally known or remembered, they
were men of high rank and reputation.

Mr. Stearns was of Worcester, and about the same pro-
fessional age as Mr. Lincoln, and in every way a respecta-
ble lawyer ; but he died early, before attaining a distin-
guished eminence in his profession.

Judge Sprague belonged to Lancaster. He had been a
member of the bar before the Revolution, and was a few
years older than either Mr. Lincoln or Mr. Strong, and was
then in the vigor of his manhood and power. He was,
however, rather a wise and learned lawyer, than an eloquent
advocate. His business extended into several counties, in
which he divided the field with Lincoln and the Strongs,
Simeon and Caleb, in influence and business. He was one
of the few who were appointed barristers after the Revolu-
tion, and in 1798 was made Chief Justice of the Court of
Common Pleas for the County of Worcester.

Such were the counsel in those memorable causes.

The Superior Court, before which the latter case was
tried, consisted of Hon. N. P. Sargent, David Sewall and
James Sullivan.

The Chief Justice, William Cushing, was not present at
the term when the cause was heard.

Judge Sargent was of Haverhill, a sound lawyer and
upright judge, and succeeded Chief Justice Cushing upon
his appointment to the United States Court. At the time

The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts. 339

of this trial lie was fifty years of age, and had thru held
a place upon the bench, six years.

Judge Sewall belonged to York. He was then forty-six
years of age, had been a Leading lawyer in that part of the
State in which he resided, was appointed to this Court in
1777. and subsequently was appointed Judge of the Dis-
trict Court of the United States for the District of Maine.
He was a classmate and personal friend of John Adams,
and had a high reputation lor integrity and uprightness.

The strong man of the Court, however, was James Sul-
livan. A self-made man. he had risen to the first rank in
his profession, and been actively engaged in the events of
the Revolution, and took a prominent part in the formation
of the Constitution. Xo further evidence of his eloquence
or power as an advocate and a statesman need be given,
than the rank he held among such names as Dana, Lowell,
Parsons, Core and Dexter.

He was appointed to the bench of the Superior Court in
177G, then thirty-two years of age, and held the office till
178'2, when he resigned and returned to the bar.

In 1790 he was appointed Attorney-General, and in 1807
was chosen Governor. He died in the office, and was suc-
ceeded, as has already been stated, for the balance of his
term, by Lieutenant Governor Lincoln.

It will be perceived that those who took part in the
decision of this question, were among the leading minds of
the Commonwealth. They had been witnesses, and taken a
more or less prominent part in the events and discussions
of the Revolution, and were especially well qualified to
understand and appreciate the motives, grounds and lead-
ing principles of the Constitution.

The whole subject had agitated the public mind for sev-
eral years, and one Constitution, prepared in 1777-8 and
submitted to the people, had been rejected by a vote of
more than five to one — one reason for which is said to have
been, that it contained no Bill of Rights.

The general sentiment on the subject of slavery was
expressed, the same year, by an Act of the Legislature, for-
bidding the sale of a number of slaves, taken on board an
English prize ship, and brought into Salem, and ordering
them to be set at liberty.

340 The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts.

Such, in brief, were the circumstances under which this
great question of human freedom was to be decided, to
serve as a precedent, for all coming time, to Massachusetts.
And such were the men who took part in its decision.

It was not, as already stated, determined so much by any
positive language or enactment in the Constitution, as by
that all pervading sense of the community, that the time
had come when that slavery, against which they had been
so long struggling, was incompatible with their character
as a free and independent State, and ought to be sup-
pressed.

The strongest expression in the Constitution, perhaps, is
the opening declaration of the Bill of Rights, that " all men
are born free and equal," &c. Nor can too much credit be
ascribed to the Hon. John Lowell in procuring the inser-
tion of this clause, since it took from the Legislature the
power of ever legalizing slavery without a radical amend-
ment, by the people, of the organic law of the Common-
wealth. But it will be perceived that the advocate for the
slave, in this case, rested his claim upon the incompatibility
of slavery with our condition as a people, quite as much as
upon any new right declared or sustained by the Constitu-
tion. Indeed, there is nothing in the Constitution which
expressly abrogates, or even recognizes slavery as an exist-
ing political institution.

The counsel for the master rested his rights, among other
things, upon the following points : —

In the first place, that the negro was a servant by his
own consent, and therefore the defendant was liable for
enticing him away.

But to this it was answered, that if such were the case,
there must be some evidence of that consent, either express
or implied, and the terms of it must be understood.

Besides, some term of time must be agreed upon ; for if
he consented to be the plaintiffs servant, and no time were
agreed upon, it would be only during his own will, which
he may put an end to whenever he pleases.

But that, in fact, there was no evidence of consent in the
case.

In the next place the plaintiff insisted he was his servant

The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts. :>ll

by virtue of a bill of sale by which he became the property
of Caldwell, from whom he passed to the plaintiff as hus-
band of his owner, and such a bill of sale was produced
on the trial.

And the general right of holding property in slaves was
sustained upon several grounds.

1st. It is declared in Exodus, of a man's servant, that
" he is his money."

But, said the defendant's counsel, " It is indeed said in
Exodus that a man's servant is his money, and from this
the counsel on the other side argues in favor of slavery."

" But are you to try cases by the old Jewish law ?"

This was an indulgence to that nation, and they could
only make slaves of the heathen around them. But even
by their severe laws, which required an eye for an eye, and
a tooth for a tooth, men were not allowed to make a slave
of a brother. They might not make a slave of him, though
they might hire him.

In the present case, Quork was their brother ; they all
had a common origin, were descended from a common
parent, were clothed with the same kind of iiesh, breathed
the same breath of life, and had a common Saviour.

It was contended that the custom and usage of the coun-
try considered slavery as right.

But, it was replied, the objection to this is, that customs
and usages which are against reason and right, are void.

So far as this question depends upon the laws of the
State, any laws against the laws of nature are void. And
that laws upholding slavery are against the laws of nature,
he cited I Blackstone, 91, 131, 423.

"But is he a slave by the laws of the country?" If
there are laws of the State which derogate from the rights
recognized by the common law, they are to be strictly con-
strued. And such a law is contrary to the Constitution, as
well as to the laws of nature. " The air of America is too
pure for a slave to breathe in."

The counsel on the other side insist that slavery is a
respectable affair in this country. But the question to be
decided, was not whether it w r as respectable or not.

Has the defendant enticed away the plaintiff's servant, as
is claimed in his writ I

342 The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts.

When a fellow-subject is restrained of his liberty, it is
an attack upon every other subject, and every one has a
right to aid him in regaining his liberty.

What, in this respect, are to be the consequences of your
verdict 1 Will it not be tidings of great joy to this com-
munity 1 It is virtually opening the prison doors, and let-
ting the oppressed go free !

Could they expect to triumph in their struggle with
Great Britain and become free themselves, until they let
those go free who were under them % Were they not act-
ing like Pharaoh and the Egyptians, if they refused to set
these free 1

But the plaintiff insists that it is not true, as stated in
the Constitution, that all men are born free ; for children
are born and placed under the power and control of their
parents.

This may be. But they are not born as slaves ; they
are under the power of their parents, to be nursed and
nurtured and educated for their good.

And the black child is born as much a free child in this
sense, as if it were white.

Then, again, it is contended that the Constitution only
determines that those that have been born since its adoption
are equal and free. And they admit that since that time,
every body is born free. And they say that by a different
construction, people will lose their property.

This is begging the question. Is he property % If so,
why not treat him as you do an article of stock — an ox or
a horse !

It is again said that it is for the jury to inquire whether
the custom of slavery is a good or a bad custom.

But if tried by that test, is it not a bad custom %

What are its consequences \ How does slavery origi-
nate % Kidnapping and man-stealing in the negro's coun-
try, while its consequences here are, that the infant may be
wrested from its mother's breast and sold or given away
like a pig or a puppy, never more to be seen by the
mother.

Is not this contrary to nature \ Does not Heaven say so
in the strongest manner \ Is not one's own child as dear
to the black subject as to the white one % Can a mother

The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts. 343

forget her sucking child I Do not even the beasts and the
birds nurture and bring up their offspring, while acting

from their instincts (

But under such a law as this, the master has a right to

separate the husband and wife. Is this consistent with the
law of nature \ Is it consistent with the law of' nature to
separate what God has joined together, and declared that
no man should put asunder I

The opposite counsel, however, urge that by the laws of
England a person may, for a crime, be sent into other parts
of the world, away from parents, sisters and brothers, never
more to return.

In the present case a subject of this free Commonwealth
may be taken, without crime, from his friends, his father
and mother, and sisters and brothers, and shipped off with
spavined horses, as an article of merchandize, to the West
Indies.

They say that in the early history of the country, slaves
were needed to cultivate the earth. But instead of that,
now, the employing of them does an actual injury to the
poorer classes of people, by being in the way of their find-
ing employment.

Is he a slave by the custom of the country ? A custom
must be general, to be binding as such. This is not a gen-
eral custom. It has ever been against the principles of
some to make slaves, and some have freed them.

It must, moreover, be undisputed, in order to be binding.
But this has always been disputed — in the General Court,
in the Courts of Justice, and elsewhere.

It must, besides, not be against reason.

In making out that negroes are the property of their
masters, the counsel for the plaintiff speak of lineage, and
contend that the children of slaves must be slaves in the
same way that, because our first parents fell, we all fell
with them.

But are not all mankind born in the same way % Are
not their bodies clothed with the same kind of flesh'?
Was not the same breath of life breathed into all I We
are under the same gospel dispensation, have one common
Saviour, inhabit the same globe, die in the same manner,
and though the white man may have his body wrapped in

344 The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts.

fine linen, and his attire may be a little more decorated,
there all distinction of man's making, ends. We all sleep
on the same level in the dust. We shall all be raised by
the sound of one common trump, calling unto all that are
in their graves, without distinction, to arise, — shall be
arraigned at one common bar, shall have one common
judge, and be tried by one common jury, and condemned
or acquitted by one common law — by the Gospel — the
perfect law of liberty.

This cause will then be tried again, and your verdict will
there be tried. Therefore, gentlemen of the jury, let me
conjure you to give such a verdict now, as will stand this
test, and be approved by your own minds in the last
moments of your existence, and by your Judge at the last
day.

It will then be tried by the laws of reason and revela-
tion.

Is it not a law of nature, that all men are equal and
free %

Is not the law of nature the law of God 1

Is not the law of God then against slavery \

If there is no law of man establishing it, there is no
difficulty. If there is, then the great difficulty is to deter-
mine which law you ought to obey, and if you shall have
the same ideas as I have of present and future things, you
will obey the former.

The worst that can happen to you for disobeying the
former, is the destruction of the body ; for the last, that of
your souls.

Though this sketch must, from the nature of the case,
be little more than a meagre outline of the respective
grounds taken by the counsel in this case, enough is seen
to justify the remark that the case turned and was decided
upon the strong, prevailing sentiment that pervaded the
community, rather than the positive provisions of the Con-
stitution.

These, indeed, were sufficient to sustain the court and
jury in the conclusions to which they came ; yet I appre-
hend it was accomplished more by relieving the courts
from the overshadowing influence of the crown, by a final

The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts. 345

act of independent legislation, like the adoption of an or-
ganic law as a State, than by any now form of declaring
personal rights or the popular will.

In 17(>7 and in 1774, laws against the slave trade and
slavery had been passed by the Legislature, which were
defeated by the Governors acting under instructions from
home, — both Governors Hutchinson and Gage refusing,
for that reason, to sign such bills.

This is what the counsel for the slave in the case of
Quork alluded to, when they insisted that slavery had
always been opposed here "in the General Court, the
courts of justice, and elsewhere. 1 '

And this is further 'illustrated by the fact, that while the
New Hampshire courts, construing a similar provision in
the Constitution of that State, arc said to have adopted the
views contended for by the counsel for the master in the
case in our courts, viz., that it only emancipated such as
were born alter its adoption, our courts made no such dis-
tinction, but held the declaration as of universal applica-
tion.

Nor could this have been done hastily or unadvisedly.
Both of the counsel for the slave, though neither of those
for the master, and one of the Judges of the Inferior Court
and all the Judges of the Superior Court who sat in the
case, as well as the Chief Justice, had themselves been
members of the Convention which formed the Constitution,
and must have understood the intention of its framers upon
a subject that had so often and so recently been agitating
the public mind. And their decision assumes a more than
ordinarily authoritative character, inasmuch as it utters not
only a judgment founded upon the language of that instru-
ment, but speaks the sentiment which dictated that lan-
guage itself.

And I may perhaps be pardoned in alluding to one other
point, in this discussion, of the binding obligation of the
laws of slavery ; and that is, this early and most marked
resort to the ** higher law," as it has been called in modern
phrase. Xo more direct appeal to such a law could well
be made, than that in which eminent counsel indulged, in
this language I have quoted, in connection with the para-
mount obligation of the Constitution, in the formation of
4th s. — vol. iv. 44

346 The Extinction of Slavery in Massachusetts.

which he had taken a part, and in the presence of judges
who had shared with him in that office.

In conclusion I have only to add, that I have been
induced to present these original memoranda of this cause,
in connection with the circumstances under which it arose
and was decided, that the true relation which our fathers
held to slavery in Massachusetts, might be understood, and
not from any wish to utter a word upon a subject which
could add to the excitement which it has already awakened.

It is simply the detail of an historic fact, which it is
due to the historic fame of Massachusetts, should be fully
known and understood. If it does no more, it shows that
descendants of Africans had the rights of free citizens in
Massachusetts, years before the Constitution of the United
States had been framed, or even conceived of ; and history
would confirm the position, that many of this very class
voted as citizens, upon the election of the members of the
Convention which adopted it, and in that may have been
the means of securing its adoption.

LETTERS OF THOMAS CUSHING,
f it o m 17 6 7 t o 17 7 5 .

The following letters of Thomas Gushing are printed from the originals in
the archives of the Society. " He was sent representative from his native town
for a number of years, and, A. D. 17(i'5, when the Governor negatived Mr. Otis,
who had been chosen Speaker, he was elected in his place ; and he continued to
fill the chair, till he was chosen one of the members of the Congress which met
at Philadelphia, 1774."— Eliot's Biographical Dictionary. R. F., Jr.

THOMAS CUSHING TO DENNYS D E BEEDT.

Boston, Jan. 17, 1767.
Sir,

I now inclose you four depositions relative to the
interruption our fishery has met with on the coast of Lab-
rador, in addition to those sent before, which will be a fur-
ther confirmation of the conduct of Commodore Palliser,
with respect to our American vessels.

I am, in behalf of the House of Representatives, your
most humble servant,

Thomas Cushing, Speaker.
To Denny s De Berdt, Esq.

Boston, May 9th, 1767.
Sir,

Your letters of the 10th January and 1-lth February
last, directed to the Speaker, have been duly received,
and will be communicated to the House as soon as the
Court meets. I am glad to find the representation of the

348 Letters of Thomas Gushing.

difficulties our trade labors under was drawn in such a
manner as to be agreeable, and hope through the interest
of Lord Shelburne, you will be able to obtain the necessary
relief. We have had a variety of accounts relative to troops
being sent to America ; some to be stationed at New York
and some at Boston. Anonymous letters have been sent
from your side the water to gentlemen of character here,
threatening this very hard, in order, I take it, to create an
uneasiness among the people. I have, therefore, in order
to quiet their minds, taken the liberty to publish an extract
of your letter, and hope it will have a good tendency. A
strict union and harmony betwixt Great Britain and her
Colonies, is what is much desired by the people here, and
ought by all means to be promoted and maintained. Rea-
son, religion, duty and interest dictate this. It can never
be violated without mutual destruction. It is with concern
observed by the discerning here, that some, on both sides
of the water, are and have been endeavoring, on the one
hand, to represent the Colonies as setting up for indepen-
dency, as turbulent, factious and disloyal ; and on the other
hand, are insinuating to the people here, as if those at
[the] helm on your side the water were disposed to treat
the Colonies with severity, and to deprive them of their
most invaluable rights and privileges ; in short, it seems
[the] design of some people, to set us at variance, and
engage us [ ] hostilities with one another. May the

Supreme Huler of the Universe defeat the designs of these
enemies to Great Britain and the Colonies ; may he give
wisdom and steadiness to the present Administration, and
dispose the people here to such a dutiful behavior and con-
duct, as will prove the falsehood of all such idle sugges-
tions, and convince the Ministry of their affection to their
mother country, and of their loyalty to the King.

It would be a fatal thing for us to get into a state of
disaffection. Nothing would have so direct a tendency to
bring us into such a state, as sending troops here, to enforce
acts of Parliament ; nothing would so soon throw the peo-
ple into a flame. No one measure I could think of, would
so effectually drive them into resolutions, which in the end
would prove detrimental to Great Britain. I mean, living
as much as possible within ourselves, and using as few as

Letters of Thomas Cushing. 349

possible of your manufactures. It would discover such a
want of confidence in the duty and loyalty of the people,

as would occasion great disgust.

As to imposing duties, so long as they are confined to the
regulation of trade, and so conducted as to he of equal
advantage to all parts of the empire, no great exception
could be taken to it ; but when duties are laid with a view
of raising a revenue out of the Colonies, and this revenue
also to be applied to establish a civil list in America, and
by this means (as the report goes! the Governor, the Lieu-
tenant Governor, Secretary, Judges, &c. &c, are to have
their salaries iixed from home and paid out of the monies
that shall he from time to time collected, by virtue of Act
of Parliament already passed, or to be passed ; — this is
looked upon to be unconstitutional, and it is apprehended
cannot be done without vacating our charter, and in effect
overthrowing- our present constitution. If [anjy scheme of
this nature should be on foot, I should be glad you would
advise of it and let me know particularly what the scheme
is, and how extensive : at the same time I doubt not, from
the regard you have discovered for our interest, that you
would use your influence to prevent any such measures
being pursued.

The House, at their session, made you a grant of two
hundred pounds sterling for your services, and the Council
concurred with the House ; but His Excellency took some
exceptions to the wording of it, and did not give his con-
sent to it. I hope the House will reassume the consider-
ation of this matter at their next sessions, and so conduct
it as will be agreeable both to His Excellency and your-
self.

You will please to consider I write now only as a private
friend, and not in my public character, and therefore have
expressed myself with more freedom and with less reserve,
than, perhaps, I should otherways have done. When you
favor me with a reply to this letter, please, therefore, to
avoid directing to me as Speaker, and write to me only in
my private character.

I am, with esteem, your most humble servant,

Thomas Gushing.

350 Letters of Thomas Cashing.

THOMAS GUSHING TO DENNYS DE BERDT.

Boston, January 30^, 1768.
Sir,

Inclosed you have a petition to His Majesty, from the
House of Representatives of the Province of the Massa-
chusetts Bay, which they desire you would get presented
as soon as may be, and in such way and manner as you
may judge best. You will please also to advise as soon as
possible what reception it meets with. You have also en-
closed three letters ; one directed to the Right Honorable
the Earl of Shelburne, one to the Right Honorable Lord
Camden, and the other to the Right Honorable the Mar-
quis of Rockingham ; which the House also desire you
would deliver to those noblemen.

In the name and by order of the House of Represent-
atives, I am your most humble servant,

Thomas Gushing, Speaker.
Dennys De Berdt, Esq.

THOMAS CUSHING TO DENNYS DE BERDT.

Boston, April 18, 1768.
Sir,

I acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 21
December last. You mention in the postscript, your hav-
ing wrote to [the] House by the same conveyance, but the
letter never came to hand. I am persuaded it would be
quite agreeable to the House to hear from you frequently ;
be sure as often as any thing occurs on your side the water
that affects the interest of America. The traders here in
the English way, begin to feel the effects of the measures
entered into last fall, by the people here, to promote fru-
gality and economy. As the consumption of British goods
lessens, their sale diminishes, and I guess it will not be
long before the merchants on your side the water will have
reason to complain. The merchants in this and the neigh-
boring Towns of Salem and Marblehead, have very gen-

Letters qf Thomas Cushing. 351

erally, I may say almost universally, agreed not to import
any goods from England for twelve months from this time,
provided the merchants in the other Governments come

into the same 1 resolution ; and I am informed that your
good friend, Mr. Richard Cary, lias just received a letter
from a friend of his at New York, informing him that the
gentlemen in trade there, had come into the like agree-
ment, to stop the importation until the duties are taken
off; and by the last accounts from Philadelphia, it was
highly probable that the merchants in that city would do
the like. I believe the gentlemen in trade are one and all
convinced that it will be to no good purpose for them to
import English goods as usual, under the present distressed
and embarrassed state of the trade. They despair of ever
selling them, and consequently of oyer being able to pay
for them. I wish those who have the management and
conduct of the affairs of the nation, may see its true inter-
est before it is too late.

As the House ordered all their letters to be printed as
an appendix to their journal, I have inclosed yon a set of
them, presuming it will be agreeable. The Governor
has signed the grant of six hundred pounds the House
made you the last session, and the treasurer informed me
this day that he had the promise of a bill in about three
weeks, and as soon as he obtained it should remit it to
you.

I write you now only as a friend, and in my private
character ; and I doubt not, if you can make any improve-
ment of the intelligence I have now given you, for the ben-
efit of America, that you will cheerfully do it.

I remain, with respect, your most humble servant,

Thomas Gushing.
To Denny s De Berdt, Esq.

THOMAS CUSHING TO DENNYS DE BERDT.

Boston, June 6th, 1768.
Sir,

This will be handed you by Dr. Jeffries, a gentleman
worthy your notice. I therefore recommend him to your

352 Letters of Thomas Gushing.

patronage. He goes for England with a view of making
some further proficiency in the business he is engaged in.
Any favors you may do him while in England, I shall
esteem as if done for myself.

I hope the new Parliament, when they meet, will be
favorably disposed towards America, and that they will
repeal the late revenue acts, which will restore that happy
union, which till of late has subsisted between the mother
country and these Colonies. Our money will soon be
drained from us, by means of these acts, and the mer-
chants on your side the water will soon be so sensibly
affected by it as to become our greatest and warmest advo-
cates. People here have formed great expectations from
our Address to the King, and the representations to the
ministry. If they are not attended to, I fear the people
will be thrown into despair.

Your humble servant,

Thomas Gushing.
Denny s De Berdt, Esq.

THOMAS CUSHING TO DENNYS DE BERDT.

Boston, January 19th, 1768. 1
Sir,

Your favor of the 5th of October last duly came to
hand. I entirely agree with you, that the best method we
can take to obtain relief from our burdens, is steadily to
persevere in our scheme of economy and the non-importa-
tion of goods, which I am persuaded our merchants in
general are resolutely determined to do. If any of the
officers or the troops should be guilty of any outrage, or
illegal conduct, we shall not incline to wait to procure
redress in the Courts at Westminster, but the people are
determined to prosecute them in Courts we have of our
own. However, every thing at present remains quiet and
peaceable. Our people behave with the greatest caution

1 On the back of this letter is the following remark : " This letter is dated '
Jan. 19th, 1768. It should be 1769— for it refers—"

Letters of Thomas Gushing. 353

and prudence, so that I am persuaded the commanders of
the troops and men-of-war are not a little surprised at the
errand they were Bent upon ; they find themselves placed
among an orderly, peaceable and well-behaved people. The

soldiers are continually deserting. They like the country,
and it is so wide and extensive, that it will he very difficult
to recover those that desert ; and the charge of their being
sent and supported here, will much exceed any revenue
that can be raised by the late Act.

I am glad to hear that the friends to America increase.
The more this affair of a revenue is considered and thought
of, the more convinced the people on your side the water
will be of the impolicy and inexpediency of the measure.
I shall be always ready to furnish you with all the intelli-
gence in my power, but must beg that you would not pub-
lish any more of my letters with my name affixed to them.
I write to you as a friend, and in confidence, and with
more freedom than I should choose to do, if I knew my
letters were to be in print. I may by this means feel the
resentment of some people which I should choose to avoid.
I must beg, therefore, you would not suffer any more of
my letters with my name affixed to be published. I have
seen his Majesty's speech to both Houses, and am much
surprised that we could have been so extravagantly misrep-
resented, as to give occasion for him to observe that the
capital Town of one of the Colonies (meaning, as I sup-
pose, Massachusetts) was by late advices in a state of dis-
obedience to all law and government, and had proceeded to
measures subversive of the Constitution. He must have
been egregiously misinformed. Nothing could have been
farther from the truth than such advices. However, I hope
time, which scatters and dispels the mists of error and
falsehood, will place us in our true light ; and convince the
administration how much they have been abused by false
and malicious representations.

In the times of the late stamp act, there were riots and
great mischief done ; the stamp officers through the conti-
nent were obliged to resign ; at New York, the King's fort
was attacked. His Majesty at that time, in his speech to
his Parliament, only just mentions that there had been
some occurrences in America that demanded their atten-
4th s. — vol. iv. 45

354 Letters of Thomas dishing.

tion. Noav, surely, no disturbances any thing like those
above-mentioned have lately occurred in America ; and yet
we are represented as in a state of disobedience to all law
and government. How, therefore, can we account for this
difference in the two speeches, but from the base and false
representations that have been made by some people of this
government. I hope the Parliament will make a strict and
thorough inquiry into this matter ; and if they do, I am
persuaded they will find that those misrepresentations have
been made by those who, for a long time, have been set
upon having a revenue out of America, and who expect to
obtain great salaries out of the same. It is their interest,
therefore, at all events, so to represent matters as to accom-
plish their designs ; but a due inquiry will discover how
greatly the nation has been injured, and this people abused
by this set of people.

While writing, I received your favor of the 18 Novem-
ber last ; am glad to hear the petitions from the other Col-
onies are come to hand, and that they, together with ours,
will be brought before the Parliament. I hope not only
a good part, but all the troops will soon be removed, as
there is not the least occasion for them. The continuing
any part of them here, will only serve to interrupt that
harmony which ought ever to subsist between the two
countries. It will keep in remembrance what ought to be
forgot, as soon as possible, viz., the ill-treatment we have
received, and the impeachment of our loyalty and love of
good order. This has been a matter of grief to the people
here, and has deeply wounded them. The removal of the
Board of Commissioners I hope will take place at the
same time.

I am surprised you should think our town meeting was
disorderly. It was remarked by several strangers that were
present, gentlemen of very respectable characters, that it
was one of the most regular, decent, and orderly town
meetings that ever they were at ; every thing was con-
ducted with the utmost propriety, good order, and deco-
rum, and I cannot say it was in any respect culpable.
There was one vote, recommending the inhabitants to be
provided with arms, according to law, which I wish had
been omitted— perhaps it was unadvised, but many people

Letters of Tho nuts dishing. 355

thought it prudent, as they apprehended there was a prob-
ability of a French war, and there is no accounting for
people's apprehensions. The public accounts afforded
Some grounds for such apprehensions ; however, upon the
whole, all circumstances considered, I think it had better
been let alone. But suppose we have in any of our pro-
ceedings been somewhat irregular and culpable, is there no
allowance to be made for a people under such distress, and
anxiously concerned lor the preservation of their rights
and privileges, which they apprehend infringed by the late
Acts — at the same time their petitions frowned upon, and
are told unless they give up their rights they shall not be
heard ; every attempt they make 1 to unite in their suppli-
cations for relief, called an incentive to rebellion ; military
and naval forces sent to execute Acts of Parliament to
raise a revenue, not for the benefit of the nation, but to
support a number of useless officers ; our Assembly dis-
solved because they would not obey a ministerial order,
which to have complied with would have been directly
against the light of their consciences. Prav, Sir, under
these circumstances, can it be wondered at if some disorder
should happen, if some improprieties in conduct should
take place 1

In such a situation, deprived of an Assembly, what could
be more wise than to call a Convention of prudent men
from each town, to consult and advise for the peace and
safety of the community ? This was done, and it had an
happy effect ; and if the Convention was a prudent meas-
ure, certainly the town meeting which gave rise to it can-
not be called disorderly and culpable, for so salutary a
measure. The Governor yesterday shew me a letter from
Lord Hillsborough, wherein he endeavors to exculpate
himself with respect to our petitions not being seasonably
delivered to the King. If I remember the letter right, he
says you never offered him the petition ; but Mr. Sayer
being at his house, some mention was made of such a peti-
tion by Lord Hillsborough, and Mr. Saver told him there

I was such an one, and if his Lordship desired it he could
let him have a sight of it. Accordingly some time after,

: Mr. Sayer sent it to his Lordship, inclosed in a letter, (a
copy of which he has sent the Governor,) wherein Mr.

356 Letters of Thomas Gushing.

Sayer desires him to present it to His Majesty. This, he
says, was the way he received it — not directly from the
agent, or any person that was properly im powered to de-
liver it, and without any document to prove it to be a peti-
tion from the Massachusetts Bay. Under these circum-
stances he did see his way clear, as Secretary of State,
to offer the petition to His Majesty. I do not pretend to
give you the very words of his Lordship's letter, but this I
think is the substance and purport of it. Inclosed you
have the newspapers.

I conclude with respect,

Your most humble servant,

Thomas Gushing.
To Dennys JDe Berdt, Esq.

P. S. — I have [written] you with freedom ; you will
please therefore to show this letter with caution, and ex-
cuse the incorrectness of it, the vessel being just upon
sailing. Yrs,' T. C.

THOMAS CUSHING TO STEPHEN SAYER.

Boston, November 6, 1770.
Sir,

I have received your favors of the 15 June and 4 July
last, inclosing sundry copies of letters, for which I very
kindly thank you. I am also obliged to you for the Pam-
phlet handed me by Mr. Gary, entitled the Political Detec-
tion, wrote by Junius Americanus. 1 I esteem it a valuable
present. It is certainly very cruel and unjust, that the
state and circumstances of the Province should be collected
from the evidence of Bernard, Robinson, and other expect-
ants and dependants, who are notorious for their prejudices
and resentments against this people. It will still be more
cruel, if the Parliament should take for fact, what they
have represented to be so, and upon such ground form their
future resolutions, and proceed to make any alterations in

1 Dr. Arthur Lee.

Letters of Thomas Cushing. 357

the Charter of this Province*, without previously notifying
us what charges are brought against us. The Parliament,
if they are impartial, must determine that we ought to be
beard before we are condemned and punished, with the
loss of any of our privileges : the very first principles of
justice the constant tenor of all judicial proceedings, de-
mand this.

The House, on the '24 October, proceeded to the choice
of an Agent for one year. 1 repeatedly mentioned, pre-
vious to the choice, to the members, your past services and
exertions in behalf of the Province, as also Dr. Lee's ; but
as you were known to but very lew of the members, and
many of them were well acquainted with Dr. Franklin,
upon sorting and counting the votes, it appeared Dr. Frank-
lin had the majority ; since which, the House have made
choice of Dr. Lee, as their Agent, in case of the death or
absence of Dr. Franklin, which I doubt not you will
approve of, as I know Dr. Lee stands high in your esteem.
Your recommendation of him as a suitable person for an
Agent, to Mr. Cary, had a considerable influence in this
matter.

I have been informed that the ministry have given up all
thoughts of raising a revenue out of America, as they find
it attended with insuperable difficulties, and that they would,
willingly put us upon the same footing we were upon before
any of the revenue acts were passed ; but are fearful if they
should do this, it would not make us quiet and easy, but
we should rise in our demands and insist upon the repeal
of the navigation acts, and be contented with little short,
if any thing, of a state of independency. But I can assure
you that is so far from the truth, that in case the revenue
acts were repealed, the Board of Commissioners removed,
and the troops withdrawn, and we were put in the same
state we were in before the stamp act was passed, that peo-
ple in general would be satisfied ; and so far from being
desirous of being independent of Great Britain, that they
would dread the very thoughts of it. The Parliament's
repealing the stamp act was very acceptable to the Colo-
nies, and the late repeal of the duties imposed on all the
articles, (tea excepted,) in the 7 of Geo. the Third, has
been considered by many people as a conciliating measure,

358 Letters of Thomas Cushing.

and therefore they have used their influence to put an end
to the non-importation agreement, and that all goods,
except dutiable articles, should be imported as usual. The
Court have also agreed to proceed upon business, notwith-
standing they are still restrained, by instruction, from hold-
ing the General Court at the only established place, the
Town House in Boston. It is therefore hoped that these
movements will be considered by the ministry as concili-
ating, and if they know how to improve events, I should
think they would embrace this opportunity to retire to
their old ground, and place us in the same situation we
were in previous to the passing the late stamp act, and by
this means restore tranquillity to the Colonies, and that
union and harmony which heretofore subsisted between
Great Britain and this country ; but if administration
should continue these severe measures, it will be difficult
to say what will be the consequence.

I remain, with respect, your most humble servant,

Thomas Cushing.

P. S. — The House have made a grant to Mr. De Berdt,
of £750 sterling, for his services a' November, 1767, to
May, 1770.

Mr. Stephen Sayer.

THOMAS CUSHING TO ROGER SHERMAN.

Boston, Jan y 2lst, 1772. 1

Sir,

I heartily wish, with you, that some measures might be
come into to revive the union of the Colonies. To place
any great dependence upon the virtue of the people in
general, as to their refraining from the use of any of the
duty articles, will be in vain. The only thing we can at
present depend upon, is the conduct of the several Assem-
blies, through the continent ; and however the people in

1 The first paragraph of this letter relates to private affairs.

Letters of Thomas Cuskittg. 359

general may be induced, for peace' sake, or from a sense of
their inability to submit at present in some instances to the
exercise of what they apprehend, the usurped authority of
Parliament, the Assemblies ought to keep a watchful eye
upon their liberties, and from time to time to assert their
rights in solemn resolves, and continually to keep their
Agents instructed upon this important subject, and to re-
new their memorials to the King, for the redress of their
grievances and the restoring their privileges. It might be
well, also, for each Assembly to be considering what shall
be their conduct as soon as a war commences. It is highly
probable it will not be long before the nation is involved
in a bloody war with some of the European nations, per-
haps next spring ; upon the commencement of which, we
may depend upon their applying to the several Colonies for
assistance, bv furnishing them with men and money. It is
of great importance, therefore, that the Colonics, at such a
juncture, should act one and the same part. Is it not,
therefore, high time that each Assembly should be meditat-
ing what answers they should give, and what conduct they
should pursue, in consequence of any such requisitions I
Then, certainly, will be the time to settle matters upon a
secure and permanent footing, especially if we can all
agree upon one and the same plan of conduct: would it
not then be expedient to consult one another upon this
subject, as soon as possible. You are sensible this Prov-
ince, by being foremost in such measures, has brought the
whole resentment of Great Britain upon them. We suffer
| at this day, more than all the Colonies together : would it
i not, therefore, be reasonable that your Colony, or some
j other, should take the lead in this matter. Pray consider
of it, and let me know your sentiments upon this subject.
I write in confidence, as to a friend, and therefore shall
: depend upon your not mentioning this proposal as coming
from me, for many reasons which I shall communicate to
) you when I have the pleasure of seeing you at Boston. In
• the mean [ ] remain with respect,

Your most humble servant,

Thomas Cushing.

To the Honorable Roger Sherman, Esq., at New Haven f Con-
necticut.

360 Letters of Thomas Cushing.

THOMAS CUSHING TO ARTHUR LEE.

Boston, September, 1773.
Sir,

The latter end of June last, I wrote you that the
House of Representatives had directed Dr. Franklin to em-
ploy you as counsel, in support of their petition to the
King for the removal of the Governor and the Lieutenant
Governor ; since which I have received your favor of the
10th June. I observe the Governor, by reviving the late
dispute, has lost credit on your side the water, as well as
on ours. The Ministry, I understand, are greatly chagrined
at his officiousness, their intention having been to let all
controversy subside, and by degrees suffer matters to return
to their old channel. This dispute, though it may in some
measure retard the redress of our grievance, has upon the
whole been of advantage to America. We have gained
ground by it. However, I entirely agree with you in senti-
ment, (as expressed in your letter to Mr. Adams,) that it is
not worth our while to press this matter too far, at this
time. You justly observe that the government at home are
daily growing weaker, while we in America are continually
growing stronger. Our natural increase in wealth and
population, will in a course of years, effectually settle this
dispute in our favor, whereas if we persist in openly and
strenuously denying the right of Parliament to legislate for
us in any case whatever, and should insist upon their yield-
ing up this right, they may think us very extravagant in
our demands, and hence there will be great danger of
bringing on a rupture fatal to both countries. Whereas if
these high points about the supreme authority of Parlia-
ment were to fall asleep, and Administration would desist
from the exercise of this right, and the present system of
American laws and regulations, adopted upon the idea of
raising a revenue out of America, was abolished, I should
think Great Britain would regain the affections of the peo-
ple in America, retrieve her commerce, and recall that con-
fidence in her wisdom and justice, which is so necessary for
the mutual interest of both countries.

I cannot agree with [you in] sentiment that Lord

Letters of Thomas Cashing. 361

Dartmouth is that kind of man that will never do any
good. I have lately been favored with a letter from his Lord-
ship. Sis sentiments are truly noble and generous; they
well comport with his high station, and fully justify that
confidence which His Majesty's American subjects repose
in his wisdom and justice. lie seems disposed and desirous
of having union and harmony between both countries re-
stored upon a lair, candid and equitable foo[ting]. At the
same [time] I am fully of opinion with you, that it is to
ourselves we ought to trust, and not to the persons who
may be in power on your side the water ; and I hope we
shall always act with prudence and firmness, notwithstand-
ing it may have been represented to His Majesty, that the
doctrines contained in the House's answer to the Governor's
speech, were to be imputed to a few men of artifice, who
mislead the House. Administration ought to know, that
the men who made and passed those answers, were not
men of artifice, but, as Lord Coke says of ancient com-
moners, they were grave and sad men, and men of property ;
that they and the present House were and are willing that
these points should fall asleep ; but when the Governor
put them in such a situation that either they must speak
out, or by their silence concede and give up their rights,
they judged and will always judge it their duty, respect-
fully and modestly, yet plainly, to assert them.
To Dr. Lee.

THOMAS GUSHING TO ART H UK L E E .

Boston, October, 177'].
Sir,

Since my last, have not received any of your favors.
Dr. Franklin writes me that he thinks of leaving England
very soon, and informs me that some time before his de-
parture, he shall put the Province papers into your hands,
and speaks very handsomely of Dr. Lee, from which I con-
clude there is a good understanding between you and the
Doctor, which gives me great pleasure. The Doctor has
discovered himself to be an able, disinterested and zealous
4th s. — vol. iv. 46

362 Letters of Thomas Cushing.

defender of the rights of the Americans, and I believe has
been sincerely attached to the interest and prosperity of
this Province. I now transmit yon the Journal of the
Honse of Representatives for the last sessions, as also a
sermon preached by Mr. Turner, before the General Assem-
bly, the last May, of which I crave your acceptance.

The Parliament, it seems, the last sessions, did nothing
for the relief of America. I hope the Administration de-
sign to advise to it the next session. A war, it is appre-
hended, is near at hand ; our aids will then be wanted, con-
sequently our friendship courted, and our claims attended
to. It is against this event, as you justly observe, we
should be prepared, that the opportunity it will offer of
vindicating our rights may not pass away unimproved.
But I am not without my fears that, when this crisis
arrives, the Colonies, considering how differently the sev-
eral governments are constituted, will widely differ in what
their rights are. It would be very happy, that if, when
requisitions may be made upon the Colonies for men and
money, they could all agree upon one and the same answer,
and upon insisting upon the same terms of relief or redress.
Some have thought, that in case of war, if the several
Assemblies through the continent should firmly agree with
each other not to grant any aids to the Crown, in a general
war, until the whole system of American laws and regula-
tions, adopted upon the idea of raising a revenue out of
America, were abolished, it would be very happy, and as
far as it could rationally be expected, the Colonies in gen-
eral would go, and as much as could rationally be expected
from Great Britain at present ; that if the Administration
once retired from this system which had occasioned so
much trouble and uneasiness to both countries, they would
never attempt the reassumption of them. Others have
thought, that the Colonies ought to agree not to grant any
aids, until the Declaratory Act, passed immediately upon
the repeal of the Stamp Act, was repealed, and Great Brit-
ain agreed that they had not a right to make laws to bind
the King's subjects in America, in any case whatsoever.
But these terms, it is thought by many, never would be
insisted upon by all the Colonies, if by any ; and if they
should, they [would] never be complied with by Great

Letters tjf Thomas Cushing. 363

Britain, but would be considered as a plain indication that
the Colonies were not disposed to come to any settlement
with them at all, but chose to be entirely independent of

them, and so there might be great danger of a fatal rup-
ture — of prematurely bringing on a contest, to which, if

we are not found equal, that authority will by the event be
more strongly established ; and if we should prove supe-
rior, yet by the division the general strength of the British
nation must be greatly diminished ; whereas the daily
increasing strength in wealth (aid numbers and importance
of America to Great Britain, must in a little time bring us
all we want or can desire, and in peace and safety to both
countries.
To Br. Lee.

THOMAS CUSHING TO JOSEPH REED.

Boston, April 23, 1774.
Sir,

It is some time since I have had the pleasure of any
of your favors.

Our spring ships have just arrived from London. By
them w r e are informed what reception the news of the de-
struction of the tea at Boston, and the return of it from
Philadelphia, has met with. The Ministry were, at first,
very high, and threatened to use us with great severity ;
but upon further consideration they cooled down, and it is
; not yet known what steps will be taken by government
with regard to the Colonies. We have also a full account
1 of the treatment our petition for the removal of the Govern-
or and our Agent have met with. The public papers will
so fully inform you upon this head, that it will be needless
i for me to enlarge. You can have no conception of the
', rage the ministerial people have been in with Dr. Franklin,
( on account of his transmitting the late famous letters. His
faithful services to America, have been rewarded by the
• Ministers taking from him the office of Postmaster General
of North America ; he has been greatly abused and re-

364 Letters of Thomas Cushing.

viled ; he has resigned his Agency, having no hopes of
being any farther useful.

I beg leave to recommend to your friendly notice, Col.
Jeremiah Lee of Marblehead, and Tristram Dalton, Esq.,
of Newburyport, gentlemen in trade, of fortune, and of
good character, who are upon a tour of pleasure to the
southward, and whose acquaintance, I doubt not, will give
you pleasure.

Joseph Reed, Esq.

THOMAS CUSHING TO WILLIAM COOPER.

Philadelphia, October 23, 1775.
Dear Sir,

I received yours of the 24th September, on the 21st
instant, and not before. What has delayed its passage here,
I cannot say. I wrote you the beginning of this month,
but have not as yet been favored with an answer ; wish our
friends would write us more frequently. I am obliged to
you for the inquiry you made at Dedham, for a house for
me ; should be glad to govern myself by the opinion of the
County, as to the place of holding the probate, provided at
this difficult time I can be accommodated with such a place
as will be agreeable to them. If I had been so happy as
to have seen you before I left Watertown, I doubt whether
it would have been proper for me to have signed any blank
letters of administration, or letters of guardianship, before
I had my commission, and more than a month before, by
law, 1 could have entered upon the discharge of the office
I was appointed to ; for, if you will recollect, you will find,
that, by the law that was made by the General Court upon
this occasion, none of the new appointments were to take
place till after the 20 of September last. This matter I
considered before I left "Watertown, or else should certainly
have seen you previous to my departure, and have signed
the papers you mention, which I am sensible, could it have
been done with any propriety, would have been for the

Letters of Thomas Cusking. 365

ease of the County. I am much surprised that any per-
sons among us should just now think of dividing the
County, especially at this very critical time, when we have
so many other matters of the greatest magnitude to engage
our attention. Such a thing was never attempted in any
other Count), without first notifying every town in the
County of such an intention. Can the inhabitants of Bos-
ton, (the shire town, whose interest it so nearly affects,)
in their present distressed, dispersed state, attend to a ques-
tion of such moment I Certainly not. And will the inhab-
itants of the other Towns in the County take the advantage
of this their distress ? or if they would, will the General
Court attend to them at such a time ? Certainly not.

Whenever a bill for determining what offices are incom-
patible with each other, shall be brought into the House,
I hope it will be considered with great attention and due
deliberation. There are many difficulties attending such a
measure, which at first view may not be thought of. I
hope we shall not run from one extreme to another. I sin-
cerely wish the Court may be directed to such a conduct as
may tend effectually to strengthen our happy constitution,
and be for the lasting benefit of the government.

I am glad to find General Washington is fitting out
some vessels of war. This is a necessary measure, as our
enemies are daily pirating our vessels. I have frequently
urged it here. As to the establishment of Courts of Ad-
miralty, that will come on of course ; but it will not do to
urge it here at present. I cannot as yet form any judgment
when I shall be able to return. Many interesting and im-
portant matters demand my attention and presence here.
As, therefore, I shall be necessarily detained here for some
time, I have no objection that, during my absence, you
should take guardian and administration bonds, in partic-
ular cases, where you may find it necessary ; and I doubt
not you will take special care and caution, that in all such
cases the bondsmen are good and sufficient. Let me know
whether it is necessary for me to return home immediately.
Our late President, Mr. Randolph, died yesterday, of the
palsy. He is to be buried to-morrow. He was a worthy
character ; he was sensible, a gentleman of an even tem-
per and of sound judgment ; he died engaged in a good

366 Letters of Thomas Cushing.

cause. My friend, let us follow his example. Let us per-
severe in supporting this good cause. Let us act with zeal,
not rashness. Let no attachment to persons, parties, or
factions, lead us from the path of duty ; but let us be calm,
firm, steady, and unwearied in our endeavors to serve our
country. In this way Heaven will smile upon our exer-
tions, and I doubt not the good Lord will send us glorious
deliverance.

I congratulate you upon your late promotion as Speaker.
[When] my friend is honored and meets with the appro-
bation of his countrymen, I partake of the pleasure, and
am always highly gratified.

I conclude, dear Sir, with the greatest esteem and [ ]
your friend and servant,

Thomas Gushing.
The Honorable William Cooper, Esq*

QUERIES OF GEORGE CHALMERS,

WITH THE ANSWKKs OF GENERAL GAGE, IN RELATION TO BRAD-
DOCK'S EXPEDITION— THE STAMP ACT — AND GAGE'S ADMINISTRA-
TION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY.

These papers arc copied from a folio volume of manuscripts, lettered " Papers
relating to Canada," in the Collection of Thomas Aspinwall, one of the Publish-
ing Committee of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 1857.

QUERIES.

Mr. Chalmers begs leave to submit the following memo-
randa to General Gage ; and desires the favor of such
information, either verbal or written, as may be in the
power or inclination, of the General to give.

1st Query. What was the true military cause of General
Braddock's disaster ?

2d Qy. What were the genuine reasons of the military
failures, or want of success, during the early campaigns of
the war of 1755 I Is Major Mant's, or any other printed
account of the military transactions, during those cam-
paigns, so exact and faithful, as to merit attentive perusal I

3d Q\t/. What was the military establishment of the
American army, after the peace of 1763 ? How many
troops were there in the Continental Colonies, during the
Stamp Act disturbances'?

4:th Q\y. What was the true object of General Mackay's
\dsit to Boston, about the year 1768 or '69 ; and what suc-
cess attended his intrigues ?

oth Q'j/. Was not General Gage averse to returning to
America in 1773 — 1 ; and did he not, for some time, decline
to accept of the commission of Governor of Massachusetts,
knowing, as he did, the true state of affairs, and foreseeing
the consequences I

368 Queries of George Chalmers.

6 th Qy. When he did, at length, accept, by the inter-
position of the King, were not his hands tied, by instruc-
tions, from executing any measure, that might be deemed a
measure of irritation %

1th Qy. Did not the General inform Lord Dartmouth,
in 1774, that he must consider the Revolt as universal ; that
— — number of troops would be necessary ; and was not
a copy of this letter sent back to the Faction at Boston ]

8th Qy. Did not the General know that the Secretary
of State carried on a secret correspondence with Gushing,
during the year 1774?

9th Qy. Was it not apparent to the General, that the
people of the Colonies were instigated by certain persons in
Britain ; and were not the letters of such persons found
in Cushing's house 1 What were the dates and contents
of such letters ?

10th Qy. What evidence was there of the design of the
malcontents to surprise Boston, with a view to massacre
the troops % What number of forces were there at Boston,
in April, 1775 %

As Mr. Chalmers writes chiefly from written documents,
he will be much obliged to the General, for the perusal of
any copies of despatches, or any written memorials, with
regard to the beforementioned interesting affairs ; and the
General may rely on his discretion.

ANSWERS TO THE QUERIES.

1st and 2d Queries. The cause of General Braddock's
disaster, is to be attributed, first, to the Province's disap-
pointing him in the carriages and provisions, they engaged
to furnish by a stated time ; by which he was detained
several weeks, when otherwise ready to proceed ; and the
plan he had concerted with the Governors, to march
with expedition to Fort Duquesne, before the enemies'
reinforcements could arrive, was, by that means, prevented ;

Game's Anstoers to Chalmers's Queries. 369

secondly to his being defeated near the Monongahela, the

cause of which was his own inexperience, and that of his

troops, of the kind of country in which the war was cur-
ried on, and of the enemy he was to engage, whose man-
ner of fighting was new to Europeans, though adapted to
their circumstances and the nature of the country, in which

heavy fires from close and compact bodies would not
prevail.

Two expeditions had been concerted in 1755; one to
remove the French from the Ohio, abovementioned ; the
other, under Mr. Shirley, Governor of Massachusetts Bay,
had for object, the securing the pass into the British Prov-
inces, by Oswego, and to remove the French from Niagara
and Fort Frontenac, on the West and East sides of Lake
Ontario. Two new raised regiments, with Provincial
troops of Xew England, New York and Jersey, were
appointed for this service ; and so much time was lost,
through delays, mistakes, &c., in setting forward these
troops, that the enemy had full time to reinforce and
secure their posts, and Braddock was defeated, before they
got to their rendezvous. General Shirley raised some works
at Oswego, left troops to defend them, and returned with
the rest. Having never read Major Mant's or other printed
accounts, can only jndge, from the reports of some people
of knowledge, who have examined them, that they do not
merit an attentive perusal, being compiled chiefly from
relations found in newspapers and the public orders, and
destitute of the knowledge of the true causes of events.

It may not be improper here to notice the origin of the
hostilities commenced in 1755. The Indian tribes had
long complained of encroachments upon their lands, with-
out getting more satisfaction, than fair words and empty
promises. Instead of doing them justice, a society called
the Ohio Company, was formed, whose object was to obtain
large districts of country upon or near the Ohio, for its
members ; and it was so openly avowed, that the Indians
became acquainted with the design. They remonstrated
against the injustice of it, and at length, tired out, told the
English they were an infatuated people, deserted them, and
applied to the French for protection.

Their entreaties first brought the French upon the Ohio,
4th s. — vol. iv. 47

370 Gage's Answers to Chalmers's Queries.

who declared they came there only as friends and allies to
the Indians, and to protect their property. Alarmed at the
proximity of the French, the Provinces clamoured, the
Governors applied for assistance, and troops were unfortu-
nately sent to America.

From the above, it may be seen that the primary causes
of the war of 1755, which extended itself over the four
parts of the world, are to be traced to the banks of the
Ohio ; and that Britain was then, as she always has been,
duped by her Colonies.

3d Qy. The military establishment of the American
army, after the peace of 1763, consisted of fifteen regiments,
reduced to low numbers, which were dispersed through
Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Canada, Illinois country, East and
"West Florida, the Indian ports, &c. &c. ; all of them some
hundreds of miles distant from the old Colonies. This
was their situation, at the time of the Stamp Act; when
no Governor would ask, it might be said dared to ask, for
the aid of troops, nor any Council advise it.

\tli Qy. A vessel having been seized by the officers of
the customs at Boston, the people rose and forced the Com-
missioners of the customs to fly to Castle William, then gar-
risoned by a Provincial company of soldiers, and committed
other outrages. This was the cause of sending out General
Mackay, with two regiments, and supposed to have been
done to show a resolution in Goverment to protect the
crown officers. No success attended the measure. The
Council petitioned the Governor, and also the commander
in chief, to remove the troops from the town ; the Justices,
in a body, refused to quarter them, and they were lodged in
hired buildings. Broils soon commenced between the
townsmen, ready to insult the military, and the soldiers, as
ready to chastise an insult. General Mackay returned,
quarrels increased, and at length the leaders of the mob
raised a general riot. Every straggling soldier, and some
sentinels on duty, were beat, and the guards threatened
and pelted. The troops got under arms, the conflict grew
warmer, and a few soldiers fired, killed or wounded six or
seven rioters, for which Captain Preston was imprisoned
and tried. The Town and Province insisted, that the
troops should be removed. The Governor could neither

Gage's Answers to Chalmers's Queries. 371

order it, nor dissent from it. And Colonel Dalrymple,
who commanded the troops, sent both of the regiments to
Castle William. Tims the matter ended without farther
notice.

5th Qfy. The General, not long from Ids command by
leave, and still holding it. made no objection to return to
his duty, but was averse to taking the Government of the
Massachusetts Bay. He desired at length, that a much
larger force, than four weak regiments might be sent out,
and the Town of Boston be declared in rebellion, without
which his bands would be tied up. lie was encouraged in
the last by one of the greatest lawyers in the kingdom,
who said in his presence, that the Boston Port Bill was
unjustifiable, unless enacted against a people actually in
rebellion.

6th Qy. The instructions were consistent with the laws
of the constitution. Tbe rioters who destroyed the Tea,
were to be prosecuted, according to the forms of law, and
what is worthy of remark, is, that of the thousands con-
cerned in that riot, or who were spectators of it, only one
witness could be procured to give testimony against them,
and that one conditionally, that the delinquents should be
tried in England.

1th Q'j/. The fullest information was transmitted home
of the certainty of an universal revolt ; and a body of
twenty thousand men was required to begin the war. It
cannot be said that copies of any letters, containing such
information, were sent back to the faction ; but they
received such good, full, and expeditious intelligence of all
matters transacting in England, that every thing is to be
suspected.

8th Qj/. The General did not know that the Secretary
of State carried on a secret correspondence w r ith Cushing,
during the vear 1774. Has heard that a letter from him,
had been found in Cushing's house ; but neither heard the
contents or date of it.

9fh Q'y. It was very apparent, that the people in the
Colonies were instigated by persons in Britain, who sent
them the earliest and best intelligence. A letter from
Bristol, to Doctor Cooper, signed with a fictitious name,
was intercepted, encouraging them to take arms, and giving

372 Gage's Answers to Chalmers's Queries.

assurance of a rising in England, the moment blood should
be shed in America. An instance of the intelligence sent
them is, that on the arrival of two vessels at Marblehead,
on the 8th of April, 1775, an unusual hurry and commotion
was perceived among the disaffected. It being on a Sun-
day morning, Doctor Cooper, a notorious rebel, was officia-
ting in his meeting-house, and on notice given him, pre-
tended sudden sickness, went home and sent to another cler-
gyman to do his duty in the evening. He with every other
chief of the faction left Boston before night, and never
returned to it. The cause, at the time unknown, was dis-
covered on the 14th of said month, when a vessel arrived
with government despatches, which contained directions to
seize the persons of certain notorious rebels. It was too
late. They had received timely notice of their danger, and
were fled.

The letters found in Cushing's house, were shown to
General Howe. Very few, and those of little consequence,

were produced, till he had taken the command. D

M , can give the best account of them.

10th Qy. Intelligence was sent from several parts of
the country, that something of moment was in agitation ;
the leaders busily employed, and the militia preparing their
arms. A gentleman in the town received repeated messages
from a particular friend, entreating him to leave the Town,
with his family, that they might be safe from danger ; and
that gentleman communicated the affair to the Governor,
requesting him, at the same time, not to despise the intelli-
gence he gave, as his friend was acquainted with the most
secret intentions of the rebels. Precautions were immedi-
ately taken to defeat the design, at which the faction in the
town showed disappointment ; and some were overheard
talking about it, and to say, it must now be given up. No
other evidence can be given of the design of the malcon-
tents to surprise and massacre the troops.

In the beginning of 1775, there were about three thou-
sand men in Boston. More arrived between July and
November.

I) E S T U D C T ION O F T II E T E A ,

IN THE HARBOR OF BOSTON, DECEMBER L6. 177'*.

The three following Letters have beon transcribed from the originals. Dr.
Franklin and Arthur Lee were Agents for the Massachusetts House of Repre-
sentatives in London, at the time the Letters were written.

The account of Dr. Williamson's Examination before the King's Council, has
likewise been copied from a paper in his own handwriting. He was a passenger
in the first ship which arrived in England from Boston, after the destruction of
the tea. Jared Sparks.

June 12, 185G.

DR. COOPER TO DR. FRANKLIN.

Boston, December 11th, 1773.
Dear Sir,

I missed the opportunity of sending you the above,
and am now to give you an account of what has since
happened among us.

Upon information that the tea, with the American duty
upon it, was certainly shipped, and might soon be expected,
we heard of an opposition forming in New York and
Philadelphia, and measures concerted there to induce the
resignation of the consignees. Our patriots determined to
second their brethren in the other Colonies, and appointed
a meeting of the people, at Liberty Tree, at noon-day, to
receive the resignation of the consignees for this Province.
But they chose not to appear, upon this intimation, at that
place. A committee was then chosen to wait on them at
the store, where all the consignees were met, to know if
they would resign this commission. A great part of the
body, without a vote for it, accompanied the committee.
The answer was rough and peremptory, "No resigna-
tion."

374 Destruction Of the Tea in Boston Harbor.

Soon after, the Governor called a council, and the con-
signees petitioned that the tea, upon its arrival, might be
under their protection. The council declined having any-
thing to do with it. A town meeting was legally called,
and a respectable committee chosen, who repeatedly
attempted to obtain the almost universally desired resigna-
tion, but without effect. The consignees insisted upon
landing the tea, though they conceded to store it, till they
could hear from their constituents. We soon were in-
formed, that the consignees at New York and Philadelphia
behaved in a soothing manner to the people, and, upon
being assured that the tea was still dutied there, declared,
without reserve, that they would not have the least share in
executing a commission so disagreeable to their fellow-
citizens.

About this time a number of people assembled in the
evening, before Mr. Clark's house, from which a musket or
pistol was fired upon them, without any damages, and they,
in return, broke his windows and retired. Soon after, the
consignees, who consulted with the Governor, &c, in every
step, returned to the castle, in imitation of the commis-
sioners, and, with similar views and hopes, no doubt, where
they have remained ever since, except Mr. Joshua Win-
slow, who lately arrived from Nova Scotia, and lives at
Marshfleld.

Upon the arrival of the tea, an assembly of the people
w T as called— it proved as large as any ever known here — of
which Mr. Hancock was moderator. Great numbers from
the neighboring towns united in it, and, indeed, the people
in the country have all along been equally zealous with
their brethren in Boston, in this common cause ; and there
is now established a correspondence and union between
them, never known before. The moderator and people were
strongly desirous of preserving the tea untouched, for the
East-India Company. They labored this point with undis-
sembled ardor, and great patience. They considered, how-
ever, that landing the tea would insure the duty, that it might
be smuggled from the castle, and that the price of tea, higher
among us than to the southward, would be almost an invin-
cible temptation to this. They insisted, therefore, that it
should go back in the same bottoms. They urged this

Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor. 375

upon the consignees with great earnestness, from an appre-
hension thai the tea, in the present temper of the Province,
would not be safe ; but in vain ; they could not be persuaded
to further concessions than before. The master and owner
were then called, who, seeing the irresistible torrent,
engaged that the tea should return as it came. Two other
vessels, freighted with it, arrived, and the same engagement
was made lor them.

There we thought the matter would have ended. But
the Governor, consignees, revenue officers, &c, raised ob-
stacles to this measure, and seemed to choose that the tea
should be destroyed, and the exasperation of both countries
heightened. Another assembly of the people was called,
of which a country gentleman was moderator. The owner
of the ship first arrived, appeared before them, and pleaded
that if they held him to his engagement to carry the tea
back, he should be ruined for want of clearances, &c. He
was desired by the people to apply to the custom-house for
a clearance, which he did, and was refused. He was then
desired to wait on the Governor at Milton, for a pass at the
castle, which was also refused.

The people waited for his return till dark, last evening.
As soon as the Governor's refusal was known, the assembly
was dissolved. Just before the dissolution, two or three
hundred persons, in dress and appearance like Indians,
passed by the Old South meeting-house, where the assem-
bly was held, gave a war-whoop, and hastened to the wharf,
where all the tea ships lay, and demanding the tea, which
was given up to them without the least resistance, they soon
i emptied all the chests into the harbor, to the amount of
i about three hundred and forty. This was done without
injury to any other property or to any man's person. An

• interloper, indeed, who had found means to fill his pockets
' with tea, upon being discovered, was stripped of his booty

and his clothes together, and sent home naked. A rcmark-
l able instance of order and justice among savages. "When

• they had done their business, they silently departed, and
the town has been remarkably quiet ever since.

This was done last evening, and had it been deferred a
few hours longer, the tea, it was supposed, would have been
taken under the protection of the admiral, at the castle.

376 Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor.

The Governor, collector, and consignees, most certainly had
it in their power to have saved this destruction, and
returned it undiminished to the owners in England ; as the
people were extremely desirous of this, did every thing in
their power to accomplish it, and waited so long for this
purpose, as to run no small risk of being frustrated in their
grand design of preventing its being landed.

The fourth, and only remaining vessel, with tea, Captain
Loring, is ashore near Cape Cocl, the cargo likely to be
saved ; but what will become of the tea, brought in that
bottom, time will discover. We have no account that any
has yet arrived at New-York or Philadelphia. It is not
doubted, however, that, from the latter place, it will be all
sent back, and should it be landed in the former, that it will
remain unvented in the fort. To the warm and violent
opposition made here, the people have been partly, at least,
excited by their brethren in those places, and by the mer-
chants in London ; but the principle upon which they
acted, was a thorough detestation of the insidious design
of Administration, to establish and increase the American
revenue upon this article, after fair and repeated profes-
sions of an intention to relieve us. In what manner it will
resent the treatment we have given to this exasperating
measure, is uncertain ; but thus much is certain, that the
country is united with the town, and the Colonies with one
another, in the common cause, more firmly than ever.
Should a greater military power be sent among us, it can
never alter the fixed sentiments of the people, though it
would increase the public confusion, and tend to plunge
both countries into the most unhappy circumstances.

The tories, or tools of Hutchinson, seem struck w T ith a
panic ; some of them own now the impossibility of support-
ing the measures of Administration, and a necessity of its
being changed. The longer the Governor is continued, the
more plainly this necessity will appear. In this view, there
are some wise friends to this country, who do not regret his
continuance in the chair. The last hope of him and his
friends is, to govern wholly by a military power.

I am, &c.

Samuel Cooper.

Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor. 371

TO ARTHUR LEE.

Boston, December 21.s7, 177o.
Sir,

Tt has been the expectation of many of the Colonists,

that the last session of Parliament would have put a final
end to those grievances under which they had so long been
oppressed, and against which they had so long in vain
remonstrated. They expected that the Revenue Acts
would have been repealed, and that they should no more
have had reason to complain of the unconstitutional exer-
tions of Parliamentary power. They were naturally led to
form these expectations from the conduct of Administra-
tion, who lately encouraged them with assurances, that if
all things remained quiet in America, these unhappy dis-
sensions would soon terminate in a lasting union. But
how, Sir, were they surprised to find they had been de-
ceived ; to find that the Parliament, at the very time they
expected relief, pursued new measures for effectually secur-
ing and enhancing these oppressive revenues ; and with
this majority, an Act,' passed the last session, empowered
the East India Company to ship their teas to America.

From this Act, they readily saw that they had nothing to
hope from the favor of Administration, but that they rather
discovered an indisposition that the Parliament should
grant them any relief; they considered the Act as intro-
ductive of monopolies which, besides the train of evils that
attend them in a commercial view, are forever dangerous
to public liberty, more especially under the direction and
influence of government ; they also looked upon it preg-
nant with new grievances, paving the way to further impo-
sitions, and in its consequences threatening the final de-
struction of liberties.

Thrown by this idea into a state of desperation, the
united voice of the people, not only in this Province but
in New York and Pennsylvania, and as far as we can learn,
in all the Colonies, was, that they would never suffer the
tea to be landed, but would prefer any species of hazard
and danger, to a tame submission to measures which, if
pursued, must reduce them to a state of abject slavery.
4th s. — vol. iv. 48

378 Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor.

Administration could not have invented a method so effec-
tual for raising the spirit of the Colonies, or promoting
among them an entire union of sentiment. At the same
time, people on your side the water have for several months
been repeatedly informing our merchants of this manoeu-
vre, and advising them, as they regarded their sacred rights,
to withstand the landing of the teas by the most vigorous
opposition.

While the minds of the people were impressed with these
sentiments, the vessels arrived with the teas, consigned to
Messrs. Richard Clarke & Sons, Thomas & Elisha Hutch-
inson, Benjamin Faneuil, and Joshua Winslow, Esqrs.
Previous to this, the Town of Boston had several meetings,
in order to induce the consignees to resign their trust, but
to no purpose. And immediately upon the arrival of the
vessels aforesaid, that every measure possible might be
taken to prevent confusion and disorder, while the minds
of all were in great agitation, the people in this and many
of the neighboring Towns, assembled in the Old South
meeting-house, (Faneuil Hall not being capacious enough
to contain the people that attended,) to prevail with the
consignees to send back the teas, and if possible to preserve
it from that destruction, which the resentments of the peo-
ple might justly lead them to expect. You will see by the
enclosed papers the measures they took, and the resolves
they passed, and will wonder, perhaps, that these resolves
and measures were in vain. They not only treated with
the consignees, but with the owners and masters of these
vessels ; but all without success.

Despairing to effectuate any method of accommodation,
after having tried all that could be devised to no purpose,
they dissolved the meeting, which, agreeable to their con-
stant and declared design, had protected the teas from
destruction. Nigh twenty days were now passed since the
arrival of one of the tea vessels, commanded by Capt, Hall,
at which time, according to Act of Parliament, it was in the
power of the custom house officers to take the teas into
their own possession, in order to secure the duties. There
were just grounds to think, that they intended to do it the
minute the twenty days were expired, and that they would
attempt to land them by force, and overbear any opposition

Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor,

> t

that might occur by a second effusion of blood. Under
these apprehensions, the teas, on the evening of the L6th

instant, were destroyed by a number of persons unknown
and in disguise.

Such was the obstinacy of the consignees, their advisers

and coadjutors, such their aversion to all conciliatory meas-
ures, that they are almost universally condemned, and some
even of our party among us, acknowledge that the destruc-
tion of the teas must be imputed to these obstinate enemies
of our liberties, who never would consent to any method
proposed for its preservation, and who perhaps wished to
irritate and inflame the minds of an injured, oppressed
people, to measures of violence, of which afterwards they
hoped to make their own advantages.

The House of Representatives, at their last session,
appointed us a Committee to write to their Agent. In pur-
suance of this appointment, we have given you this infor-
mation of the present state of our affairs, and doubt not
you wilf make such an improvement of this intelligence,
as shall be most for the interest of this Province in partic-
ular, and of the Colonies in general.

We are, with respect,

Your most humble servants,

Thomas Cushing.
Samuel Adams.
John Hancock.
William Phillips.

JOHN SCOLLAY TO ARTHUR LEE.

Boston, December 2'M, 1773.
! Sir,

At the instance of my worthy friend, Mr. Samuel
I Adams, I have presumed to take upon me to communicate
to you what I know concerning the doings of the Town,
and of the people, at their late meetings, respecting the
teas exported by the India Company, in Captains Bruce,
Hall, and Coffin. This I am the more capable of doing, as I

380 Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor.

have the honor of being one of the selectmen of this Town :
I am therefore personally acquainted with some facts rela-
ting to this matter, more especially what passed between
the selectmen and Mr. Jonathan Clarke, one of the consign-
ees, at the interview they had with him and his brother, a
few days before the people met on this occasion. From
the first report of the India Company's obtaining an Act of
Parliament to export teas to the Colonies, it threw the
inhabitants of this and the other towns into great agitation ;
they judging that it was altogether a plan of Administration
to increase and secure the revenue, which for some years
past has caused such distress and unhappiness in North
America.

When it was known that Messrs. Hutchinsons, Clarke,
and Faneuil, were to be the Agents for the India Company,
it was thought advisable to call the Town together, to
know the minds of the inhabitants on this matter. They
met the 4th ult, debated on the subject, and adjourned to
the 6th. At both these meetings they manifested, by their
votes, their detestation of the measure ; not as an act of
the India Company, but as a scheme of Administration.
They raised a reputable committee to wait on the con-
signees, who, as the Town judged, treated their application
with contempt. This being the case, the meeting was dis-
solved. On the 18th, the Town was again called together
to deliberate on this matter : a very great number of the
inhabitants and of the most respectable characters appeared :
the Town was solicitous to gain the consent of the con-
signees to the reshipping the tea to London : they were the
more urgent, as they knew this measure would prevent the
destruction of the Company's property, which they judged
would be the case if it was not sent back.

They again raised a committee to wait on the consignees ;
they treated this application much in the same manner as
they did the other. The answer they sent the Town was
looked on by them as trifling. They voted it unsatisfactory,
and the meeting was dissolved, and no further application
was made to them by the Town. People's minds were
daily more and more agitated. A number of persons,
friendly to the consignees, fearful of disagreeable conse-
quences, endeavored to persuade them to come to a compo-

Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor. 381

sition with the Town. Of this number T was one. We
Bet before them the evils that must ensue, if they were
obstinate: but if a composition took place, the property of
the Company would be preserved, the Town would be re-
stored to its usual tranquillity, and they themselves would
recover their former good standing with their fellow-citizens.
Though we labored night and day in the affair, all our
efforts could not produce an agreement between them and
the Town. The town's people thought they had been ill-
treated by them at the late town meetings, therefore they
were now on their part determined that the teas should not
be landed ; so the consignees were on their part obstinate,
and would he noways active in sending it back. Had the
consignees, on the Town's first application to them, offered
to have stored the tea, subject to the inspection of a com-
mittee of gentlemen, till they could write their principals ;
and that until that time no duty should be paid, which no
doubt the commissioners of the customs would have con-
sented to, under these circumstances : Had they made such
an offer to the Town, at either of their two meetings, I am
persuaded the Town would have closed with them, and
every thing would have been preserved from destruction.
The above doings took place before the arrival of the tea,
and before the arrival of Mr. Jonathan Clarke, one of the
consignees, from London.

On Saturday the 27th ult, a few days after his arrival,
he called on me to know if it would be agreeable to the
selectmen for him to w T ait on them. I told him it would ;
that if he would name his time, the Board should be sum-
moned. According to his desire, the Board met at 4 o'clock,
P. M. He with his brother attended. He informed the
selectmen that he esteemed himself very unhappy in incur-
ring the displeasure of his fellow-citizens, by his being
appointed an agent for the India Company for the sale of
the tea that w r as expected. He said the appointment was
not of his seeking, that he was wholly passive in the affair,
(this by some is said to be not true,) therefore it was un-
reasonable that he and the others should suffer. We told
him, that let our private opinion be what it would, by what
we could collect, the people would be satisfied with nothing
less than the sending the tea back. He said that was im-

382 Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor.

possible for liim to do ; that it was contrary to the acts of
trade ; the tea, with the vessel, would be liable to confisca-
tion ; that in this way they should be a means of procuring
the loss of the Company's interest, and perhaps bring
on ruin to themselves. We told him that, perhaps some
method might be devised that would remove the difficulty ;
that as it could not be landed without the utmost hazard, if
he should reship it, and protest against the obstructors of
his regular proceedings, and return the tea to London with
such a protest, he might save the Company's property, and
perhaps obtain their thanks for his care of their interest ;
whereas were the consignees to take no step for the preser-
vation of it, they would, and very justly, incur their resent-
ment for not preserving the tea when in their power to do
it. We had a long conversation with this gentleman and
his brother, on the subject. On the whole, before he left
us, he said, that nothing should be done as to the tea, in
any clandestine manner ; that the vessel should come up to
town with it ; that so soon as Capt. Hall, who was hourly
expected, should arrive, and he knew the contents of his
letters, he would immediately hand in proposals to the
selectmen for them to communicate to the town.

The next day Capt. Hall arrived. The selectmen met at
the Hall, (although Sabbath day,) at twelve o'clock, in ex-
pectation of an application from Mr. Clarke : we sent our
messenger to his house, could hear nothing of him. We
adjourned till five o'clock in the evening, when we again
met, hoping to have an application, that we might have
time to call the Town together in the way prescribed by
law, before any other meeting might take place. We
continued sitting till nine o'clock; sent again to the houses
of consignees, but could get no intelligence where they
were. One of the selectmen, finding the storm arising,
sent privately to Mr. Clarke's brother-in-law, desired him,
if he had any regard for him or his connections, that he
would find him, and get him and the others forthwith to
apply to the selectmen, (agreeable to his promise,) that a
regular town meeting might be called. He returned for
answer that it was impossible for him to see them that
evening ; but that early in the morning he would get them
to send a billet to the selectmen with their proposals.

Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor, 383

Very early next morning hand bills were dispersed, by
unknown persons, inviting the people to meet at Faneuil
Hall, on occasion of Capt. Hall's arrival with the tea.
This being the case, it was in vain to attempt to call the
Town together in a legal way, which would have been
done, had Mr. Clarke have complied with his promise to
the selectmen, which was, that immediately on the arrival
of Capt. Hall, he would hand in to them his proposals as
a foundation for a town meeting. This might have pre-
vented the event that has since taken place. The people
of this and the neighboring Towns, met in conformity to
the dispersed hand bills, on Monday, the 29th. A very
great number met. so great that the town hall could not
contain them. They were obliged to adjourn to a large
meeting-house, where, it is supposed, that five or six thou-
sand of respectable inhabitants met ; men of the best char-
acter and of the first fortunes.

The doings of this and the other meetings arc made
public, that it will be needless for me to recite them. I will
only say that it is the observation of persons unprejudiced,
and of character, who attended these meetings, which con-
sisted of all sorts, whig and tory, that the utmost decorum
was observed ; that through the whole of their debates,
although they were determined the tea should not be landed
subject to a duty, yet it was apparent that their only view
in sending it back, was not only to render the scheme of
Administration abortive, but to preserve the tea from de-
struction. This ran through the whole of their reasoning
on the subject. To accomplish this, every step that could
be taken, (consistent with their intentions of its going
back.) was taken, to preserve it. Sometime after the peo-
ple were assembled, I received a letter directed to me,
signed by all the consignees, the purport of which was that
they could not comply with the expectations of the Town
in sending the tea back, but that they would store it, till
they could know the mind of the India Company concern-
ing it.

The people ordered the letter to be read, but they were
so irritated at the conduct of these gentlemen, that they
acted no further on the letter than hearing it read. At
this meeting the people required Mr. Rotch, the owner of

384: Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor.

Capt. Hall's ship, at his peril, to return the tea on board,
to London. He consented to it, but said he considered
himself as under duress, and therefore, to save himself
from blame, he should protest against the people. So far
they were contented ; hoping they should obtain the end
they were in pursuit of, and at the same time preserve the
Company's property ; and that the tea would be on its
return to London, before twenty days should expire ; that
being the time the officers of the customs could let it lay
on board, under a report.

Some days after this meeting, it was evident that Mr.
Rotch, by his conduct, had no intention of returning the
tea in his ship to London. This being the apprehension of
the people, it created a great uneasiness, not only in this
but in the other Towns ; however, they waited till the 14th
instant, but three days before the expiration of the time
when the officers of the customs would take possession of
it for the duties, and perhaps call in the naval and military
force to their aid, which, since the destruction of the tea,
has been found to have been their intention ; the Cap-
tains of the several ships of war being ordered on board,
and preparations were, it is said, actually made for some
expedition, (there being then, and are now in the harbor,
one sixty-gun ship of war, two frigates, besides several
smaller vessels of force,) it was much feared the country
would have destroyed the teas, even under these circum-
stances, which would have produced dreadful effects on all
sides. At this meeting there was a much greater appear-
ance than at any time. People attended it from Towns at
the distance of twenty miles.

At this they ordered Mr. Rotch, at his peril, to carry
back the tea to London. He told the people, that as the
custom house officers would not clear out his ship, so long
as the tea was on board, so neither would the Governor
give him a pass by the castle ; therefore it was in vain for
him to attempt it. They ordered him immediately to w T ait
on the collector, and demand a clearance for his ship.
The collector refused to do it. They then ordered him to
wait on the Governor, to know if he would give his ship a
pass by the castle ; he refused also, by saying, that as the
ship was not regularly cleared at the custom house, he

Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor, 385

could not do it. The people then required of Mr. llotch
his answer whether he would proceed with his ship, or
order Capt. Ball, the master, to proceed to London with

the ship, in tin 4 situation she was in. He gave for answer
that he would not.

On this the meeting was dissolved ; hut before the dis-
solution of the meeting, a great number in disguise, who,
it was said, came from the country, passed by when the
people were assembled, and went on board the several ves-
sels that had the tea on board, and in a very short time,
without noise or tumult, destroyed all the tea, by throwing
it into the sea. The people, from their first taking up this
matter until the destruction of the tea, showed no disposi-
tion to have it destroyed, if it possibly could be prevented,
consistent with their intentions of preventing its being
landed and paying the duty. They took every method that
a people engaged in such a cause could take. They waited
till the last moment, hoping that a compliance w r ith their
requisition would take place, that so not only the end they
had in view might be answ r ered, but that the India Com-
pany's property might be preserved. Let who will be the
persons who were instruments of the destruction of so
large a property, almost every one look on the consignees
as the faulty cause. Upon the whole, I do lament the loss
of the Honorable Company ; I also lament the original
cause of that loss, which I think is most unrighteous, and
which has proved a source of unhappiness to the Ameri-
cans.

Very soon, I fear, the Americans will be drove, if some
kind interposition does not take place, to that desperation,
Which neither the severest threats, nor the mildest treat-
ment of the British Parliament, will control. I have, in
the above, given, so far as I am able, an honest detail of
! facts relating to a matter very interesting, and which may
perhaps draw on us the resentment of Administration ; yet
we do console ourselves that we have acted constitutionally,
and that a good Providence will so order this matter, as
that it may insure in great good to these Colonies. I should
lot have taken upon me to w 7 rite on this subject, but that
he relation I stand in to the Town ; and in hopes that a
)lain, circumstantial narration of facts, might be of service,
4th s. — vol. iv. 49

386 Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor.

to a gentleman of your influence and disposition. I have
therefore ventured on your candor, and have spoke the sen-
timents of a heart much agitated for the welfare of this
and our mother country ; and if my mite will serve the
good old cause, I give it cheerfully. As I am no adept in
letter writing, and for some other reasons, I choose to have
my name concealed. In any other way, you may make what
use of this letter you please.

I am, with great regard for you, Sir, and for all the
friends of our happy Constitution,

Your must humble servant,

John Scollay.

DR. WILLIAMSON'S EXAMINATION BEFORE THE KING'S
COUNCIL IN LONDON.

Before his Majesty's most Honorable Privy Council,
February 19th, 1774. — Dr. Williamson, of Philadelphia,
being examined concerning the public transactions at Bos-
ton, in November and December last, respecting the tea
that was sent there by the East India Company, and de-
stroyed in the harbor, said :

That on the 17th or 18th of November, 1773, he arrived
in Boston from Hhode Island, with the purpose of proceed-
ing in the first vessel for London. Being told that the
inhabitants were assembled in town meeting, he went to the
public hall, for the purpose of gratifying his curiosity, by
observing whether it was a rude collection of the lower
class of people, or an orderly assembly of respectable
citizens. He had been told, that the expected tea was the
occasion of the meeting, and that there had already been
one or two meetings on the same subject. In a few
minutes after he entered the hall, some gentlemen, who
were said to be selectmen, came in with a letter from the
tea consignees. The letter was read by the clerk, and
imported that the consignees could not then resign. It was
voted not satisfactory. Mr. Hancock was moderator of the

Destruction of the 'Tea in Boston Harbor. 387

meeting. Two or three persons spoke a few minutes con-
cerning the tea, or the contents of the letter, but he was
too far off to hear them distinctly. The meeting was then
dissolved. He apprehends no vote but the above was
passed at this meeting, but believes the selectmen agreed to
afford the tea consignees an interview, whenever the tea
sbip might arrive, though he does not recollect bow he
received tins intelligence. This, they said, was intended to
give the consignees an opportunity of resigning, so as to
escape the public odium.

On the 29th of November, there was a meeting of tbe
people — not a regular town meeting. He apprehends this
meeting bad its origin in a report that the selectmen had
not prevailed, or were not likely to prevail, on the con-
signees, to resign. The people began to meet in the public
hall, but soon adjourned to a large church, or meeting-
house, at some distance. He was present while some of
the votes were passed on that day. Mr. Jonathan Wil-
liams acted as moderator. He remembers, in particular, it
was voted, That the tea should be sent back, at all events,
to the place from whence it came, or words to this amount ;
also, That it should pay no duty; and That it should return
in the bottom in which it came. It was also voted. That the tea
should not be entered ; and Mr. Rotch and Capt. Hall were
enjoined, under severe penalties, not to enter it. The speak-
ers were very numerous on the subject of the above votes,
but he cannot possibly recollect who they all were, for he
only learned the names of most of them while they were
speaking. The discourse of some tended in a very different
direction from that of others ; for while some advised to
moderation, and by all means to the abstaining from
violence, a few talked in a style that was violent and
inflammatory.

But the men who appeared to be the leaders, and to have

the confidence and esteem of the people, were unanimous

in determining, at the least they seemed to determine, that

! the tea should go back to London, and that they would

: prevent any measures by which it might be in danger.

From observing the countenance, and attending to the dis-

1 course of this body of people, he was then fully persuaded,

that the tea would not be destroved ; that it would be sent

388 Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor.

back ; that no attempt would be made with any prospect of
success to detain it. A watch of twenty-five men was
appointed to take care of the ship by night, lest the tea
should be taken out of her, or rather, (for this was given as
the reason,) lest some enemy of the town should burn the
ship, in order to lay the blame to the inhabitants. He
does not remember who proposed the watch, nor who was
the captain of it, but believes it was proposed that they
should not be armed. He thinks there was also a meeting
of the people on the 30th, at which he was informed they
entered into sundry resolutions. He was also informed, for
he was not present to see it, that the sheriff on that day, by
order of the Governor, charged the people to disperse. He
believes a watch was kept over the tea ships every night
from their arrival, until that night on which the tea was
destroyed.

There was another meeting of the body of the people of
Boston, and the neighboring Towns, on Tuesday or Wed-
nesday, the 14th or 15th of December, as he was informed.
He heard the bells ringing, and saw people going to the
meeting. By the report he then received, from sundry
people who attended, he believes that the account of the
proceedings, which was published in the newspaper of
Edes & Gill, was just. He believes there was also an
adjourned meeting of the body on the 16th or 17th of
December. In the evening of that day, above an hour after
dark, he was informed that a number of people were
employed in destroying the tea. He immediately went,
that he might obtain full satisfaction as to this fact, and
from a small eminence about fifty yards from the nearest
ship, he could observe that there were people on board,
who, he apprehends, were disguised. He could hear them
cut open the tea chests, when they had brought them upon
the deck. The rioters made very little noise. On the next
day the ships were said to be quite clear.

ADDENDA.

That Mr. Hancock was moderator of the said town meet-
ing at Faneuil Hall, on the 17 th or 18th of November, and
as such, put the question. That the letter which was read

Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor. )$S!)

at the meeting, said to have been written by the tea con-
signees, and which was voted not satisfactory, was the same,
according to the best of his memory, with a letter which
he now saw published in a paper, called the " Massachu-
setts, &c. No. — ." Also that Jonathan Williams, as mod-
erator of the said meeting, on the 29th of November, put
the several questions, which were voted while he was
present.

Hugh Williamson.

LETTEE FROM SAMUEL ADAMS TO JAMES

WARREN.

This Letter is printed from the original, which was read to the Society by
Hon. Charles H. Warren.

Boston, May 14, 1774.
My Dear Sir,

This Town has received the copy of an Act of the
British Parliament, wherein it appears that we have been
tried and condemned, and are to be punished, by the
shutting up of the harbor and other marks of revenge,
until we shall disgrace ourselves by servilely yielding up,
in effect, the just and righteous claims of America. If the
Parliament had a right to pass such an edict, does it not
discover the want of every moral principle to proceed to
the destruction of a community, without even the accusa-
tion of any crime committed by such community 1 And for
any thing that appears, this is in fact the case. There is
no crime alleged in the Act, as committed by the Town of
Boston. Outrages have been committed within the Town,
and therefore the community, as such, are to be destroyed,
without duly inquiring whether it deserved any punishment
at all. Has there not often been the same kind of reason
why the Port of London should be shut up, to the starv-
ing of hundreds of thousands, when their own mobs
have surrounded the King's palace % But such are the
councils of a nation, once famed and revered for the
character of humane, just and brave.

The people receive this cruel edict with abhorrence and
indignation. They consider themselves as suffering the
stroke ministerial — I may more precisely say, Hutchin-
sonian vengeance, in the common cause of America. I
hope they will sustain the blow with a becoming fortitude,

Letter from Samuel Adams to James Warren. 391

and that the cursed design of intimidating and suhduing

the spirits of all America, will, by the joint efforts of all,
he frustrated. It is the expectation of our enemies, and

some of our friends are afraid, that this Town, singly, will
not be able to support the cause under so severe a trial.
J)id not the very being of every sea-port town, and indeed
of every Colony, considered as a free people, depend upon
it, 1 would not even then entertain a thought so dishon-
orable of them as that they would leave us now to struggle
alone.

I enclose you a copy of a vote, passed by this Town at a
very full meeting yesterday, which stands adjourned till
Wednesday next, to receive the report of a committee
appointed to consider what is proper further to he done.
The inhabitants in general abhor the thought of paying for
the tea, which is one condition upon which we are to be
restored to the grace and favor of Great Britain. Our
Committee of Correspondence have written letters to our
friends in the Southern Colonies, and they are about writing
to the several towns in this Province. The merchants of
Newburyport have exhibited a noble example of public
spirit, in resolving that, if the other sea-port Towns in this
Province alone, will come into the measure, they will not
trade to the southward of South Carolina, nor to. any part of
Great Britain and Ireland, till the harbor of Boston is again
open and free ; or till the disputes between Britain and the
Colonics are settled, upon such terms as all rational men
ought to contend for. This is a manly and generous reso-
lution. I wish Plymouth, which has hitherto stood
foremost, would now r condescend to second Newburyport.
Such a determination put into practice, would alter the
views of the nation, who are in full expectation that Bos-
ton will be unthought of by the rest of the continent, and
even of this Province, and left, as they are devoted, to ruin.
The heroes who first trod on your shore, fed on clams and
muscles, and were contented. The country which they
explored, and defended with their richest blood, and which
they transmitted as an inheritance to their posterity, affords
us a superabundance of provision. Will it not be an
eternal disgrace to this generation, if it should now be
surrendered to that people who, if we might judge of them

392 Letter from Samuel Adams to James Warren.

by one of their laws, are barbarians. Impius hcec tarn
culta novalia miles habebit ? Barbarus has segetes ? If
our brethren feel and resent the affront and injury now
offered to this town ; if they realize of how great import-
ance it is to the liberties of all America that Boston should
sustain this shock with dignity ; if they recollect their own
resolutions, to defend the public liberty at the expense of
their fortunes and lives, they cannot fail to contribute their
aid, by a temporary suspension of their trade.

I am your friend,

Samuel Adams.
James Warren, Esq.

LETTER FROM JOSEPH HAWLEY TO THOMAS

CUSHING.

Tins Letter is transcribed from Vol. 193, Massachusetts Archives, pp. 33-38.

The following is the Resolve of Congress, to which the Letter alludes, which
was passed October 8, 1774 : " Resolved, That this Congress approve the oppo-
sition of the inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay, to the execution of the late
Acts of Parliament ; and if the same shall be attempted to be carried into exe-
cution by force, in such case all America ought to support them in their oppo-
sition." R. F., Jr.

Northampton, Feb. 22, 1775.
Dear Sir,

Since I left Cambridge, I have had many thoughts on
the state of this Province and continent ; and suffer me to
say, Sir, that the time is in fact arrived, when we are to
drop all chimerical plans, and in our contemplations
thoroughly to think down, and pervade every step that is
proposed for practice; to judge of its practicability, and,
as far as possible, to view all its consequences. With this
conviction, I have been most seriously contemplating the
commission and most important trust of our Committee of
Safety, and especially that branch of it which relates to
their mustering the minute men and others of the militia,
when they shall judge that the late Acts of Parliament, viz.
the regulation act and the murder act, are attempted to be
carried into execution by force.

A most critical, most important, most arduous trust this.
Here let me observe, that the soldiers, when thus mustered
by the said Committee, who have this power devolved on
them by the representative body of the Province, will sup-
pose it is their duty to fight ; they therefore will only
deliberate how to fight to advantage. They will not con-
sider the question, whether or not the time is, that
4th ?. — vol. iv. 50

394 Letter from Joseph Hawley to Thomas Cashing.

they ought to fight ; they will suppose that the continent
have devolved the resolution of that question upon this
Province ; and that this Province have devolved it on the
Committee of Safety ; and that the Committee, by calling
them, have decided it. They will judge, that if they should
decline fighting, when they are called for that intent, their
honor and courage will be impeached. The soldier, there-
fore, will probably, at all events, fall on. Thus hostilities
will be commenced, which we must suppose will, thence-
forward continue, and be most vigorously pushed, until
the fate of America be decided ; hostilities, in which we
must have a vigorous and persevering assistance of the
other Colonies, or we must sink under them. Suffer me
then to ask, whether it will not be the height of presump-
tion to enter on such a scene with no other assurance or
security of such effectual and continued aids as will be
absolutely necessary, than what is contained in a resolution
of about six lines, and they consisting of terms and expres-
sions not the most definite, or of certain and precise
meaning.

The words used in the resolution, to state the case
wherein hostilities are to be commenced, are, in my opinion,
by far too loose, to wit, " When the acts shall be attempted
to be carried into execution by force ; " as well as the
words made use to secure the aid of the Colonies, to wit,
" All America ought to support them in such opposition : "
not that they will actually support them, but a mere
declaration that it would be reasonable and just that such
support should be afforded. Is this a treaty offensive and
defensive, of sufficient precision to make us secure of the
effectual aid of the other Colonies in a war with Great
Britain 1 Besides, by whom was this declaration or engage-
ment, such as it is, made 1 Was it by Delegates specially
authorized and instructed to make an engagement of this
sort 1 Who knows whether the respective constituent
bodies will avow this declaration \ Moreover, it ought to
be well considered, with regard to all the other Colonies,
excepting Connecticut and Rhode Island, what situation
they are in, to make an engagement of this sort, in case
they were generally disposed to come into it. Don't we all
say that this Province cannot levy, subsist and pay an

Letter from Joseph llaielej/ to Thomas Gushing. 395

army sufficient to afford us any hope of present resistance,
without a Legislature which the people will cheerfully
submit to I Is not that precisely the case with all the
other Colonies, the two abovementioned excepted] Have

they not as much to do to assume a new government, every
one of them, in order to levy, subsist and pay their respec-
tive quotas of an army, as we have! Nay, would not the
success of an attempt of this sort be more precarious in
every one of them than in this Province, as their people
cannot be supposed so thoroughly to apprehend the neces-
sity of it as ours may be supposed to do \ Arc they
oppressed and affected by the new measures as we are \
Will not their Governors obstruct, and labor to embarrass,
every attempt of the kind as much as ours I Will they
not have as manv friends to government to assist them as
there are here I Can it, therefore, be much short of mad-
ness and infatuation in us, to enter on a scene of this sort,
in the present state of affairs I Nay, is it not obvious,
therefore, that actual hostilities must be suspended, if pos-
sible, until the continent, by their representatives, shall, in
the most explicit manner, in fact say, that the moment is
actually arrived when the scene shall open ?

Xo one, I presume, will say, that it will be found policy
for us to enter on hostilities with only some prospect of
such donations, from the other Colonies, to support the w 7 ar,
as have been made and are making, for the support of the
poor of Boston. Does it not infinitely import us to admit
these and many more considerations into our minds, before
we enter upon lasting, most important hostilities I When
once the blow r is struck, it must be followed, and we must
conquer, or all is lost forever. If we are not supported,
perseveringly supported, by divers other Colonies, can we
expect any thing else than in a short time to fall a prey to
our enemies 1 May God make us consider it. Should
large numbers of men come voluntarily into the province
service, unless they should have been regularly raised,
and proper provision made for their subsistence, and maga-
zines of ammunition provided by the Colony, from whence
they come, will they do any more than just look on us,
turn about, and hasten home as fast as they came \ In

396 Letter from Joseph Hawley to Thomas Gushing.

order, therefore, for the necessary establishment of aux-
iliary troops, (as I said before,) must not the other Colo-
nies assume new forms of government, as well as we 1 Is
it to be supposed that all this can be done suddenly ! We
know, that according to their present respective constitu-
tions, nothing of the sort above mentioned, to wit, the
levying, subsisting, and paying of troops, can be done in
a governmental way. When we shall have once made the
hostile attack, we are, thenceforward, to look for nothing
but fire and sword, until we have conquered or are our-
selves vanquished. Therefore, if we, by order of our
Committee of Safety, should begin the attack, and so bring
on hostilities before the general and express consent of the
Colonies that hostilities were altogether unavoidable, and
that the time to commence them is absolutely arrived, and
that we are actually ready, I conceive that there will be
infinite hazard that the other governments will say, that
we have unnecessarily and madly plunged into war, and
therefore must get out of the scrape as we can ; and we
shall have no other aid from them, only from some warm
people, who will resort to us in a fit of zeal, and soon re-
turn home again, as fast as they came, without affording us
any real service, but will leave us in a worse state than
we should have been if they had never come. I know
your concern will be, that if we proceed in this deliberate
way, the spirit of our people will evaporate and be lost.
But let me assure you, that there is no danger of that. If
I can make any judgment, all the danger is on the other
hand ; that our people will rashly and headily rush into
hostilities before they can be upheld and supported ; they
w 7 ill consequently fail of success ; the tide will then turn ;
a very low ebb will succeed the high tide of flood ; they
will then give all up ; and the good cause will be lost
forever.

I beg of you, therefore, as you love your country, to use
your utmost influence with our Committee of Safety, that
our people be not mustered and that hostilities be not
commenced, until we have the express categorical decision
of the continent, that the time is absolutely come that hos-
tilities ought to begin, and that they will support us in

Letter from Joseph llaw/ej/ to Thomas Cushing. 397

continuing them. As to the courts, we must embarrass
and retard them by preventing suitors, jurors, witnesses,
&c, going into them, by all ways and means, that 1 have

not time 4 now to explain. A sharp eye must be kept on
them, that we may fully know the success of the attempts
to establish the Regulation so far as it respects the courts.
Sir, I think it of much importance to do this. As you
regard your own life, and your usefulness to your country,
you should most attentively watch all the steps and pro-
ceedings of the court now sitting at Boston. If they get a
grand jury, then they will probably obtain indictments of
high treason ; and indictments will not be procured without
a view and respect to arrests and commitments, convictions,
hangings, drawings and quarter ings. What your chance
will be I need not tell you.

I am, Sir, with the most sincere regards, your most obedi-
ent, humble servant,

Joseph Hawley.

LETTERS FROM ANDREW ELIOT TO THOMAS

HOLLIS.

The following letters from Rev. Andrew Eliot, D. D., of Boston, to Thomas
Hollis, of England, are printed from the originals, contained in a volume of the
Society's MSS., entitled, "Hollis Papers."

The same volume contains many letters from Jonathan Mayhew to Thomas
Hollis, copious extracts from which may be found in the life of Dr. Mayhew, by
Alden Bradford. The memoirs of Hollis state that, on the death of Dr. Mayhew,
in 1766, Mr. Hollis was " at some loss for a confidential correspondent" in Amer-
ica. "For, great as his value was for his deceased friend, it was not the man
or the friend that he sought to bene (it by the exertions of his benevolence, but
the whole people of that country ; and though his bounty to the literary found-
ations there established might have been properly received and acknowledged
by the public curators of those foundations, yet mutual communications of the
state of the mother country, and the Colonies respectively, required a correspon-
dence, in the course of which interesting intelligence might be safely and dis-
creetly interchanged, without giving fuel to party zeal or party malevolence, on
the one side or the other."— Memoirs of Thomas Hollis, p. 377.

With such views, Mr. Hollis addressed Dr. Eliot the following letter, dated
September 6, 1776, which is here copied from the " Hollis Papers:"

Pall Mall, Sept. 6, 1766.

Sir, — The last year I returned you my hearty thanks, by Dr. Mayhew, for the
obliging present of a curious sermon, preached on an important occasion. A few
books, which I had intended for that excellent man, why, seemingly, no more !
with an addition to them, (and such political fry as the times have produced,) I
now request place for in your study. They are sent in that kind of way always
used by me toward my friends. The loose notes you will read, and destroy,
burn, unseen of any one. The similarity of turn, as appeareth by your sermon,
to my late honored friend, the regularity of your education, the fullness of your
character, your age, station, power, will to render public service, all have con-
curred with me, although retiring into the country, overplyed myself, to take this
measure, otherwise it might be rather singular. It is by desire of Dr. Harris,
an eminent dissenting minister of Honiton, in Devonshire, that I forward to you
certain parcels, which were likewise intended for Dr. Mayhew ; and he presents
you with his compliments.

I am, with great respect, Sir, your obliged and most obedient, humble servant,

T. H.

Rev. Andrew Eliot.

At this time, Dr. Eliot was pastor of the New North Congregational Church in
Boston. He was ordained in 1743 ; and the result of this letter was, the commence-
ment of a correspondence between Dr. Eliot and Mr. Hollis, which continued
until the death of the latter, which occurred January 1, 1774. The memoirs of
Thomas Hollis, contain the following tribute to Dr. Eliot : — " His letters bespeak

Letters from Andrew "Eliot to Thomas Hollis. 399

him a man of preat judgment, good sense, h benevolent heart, and andissembled

piety. We think him, as a writer, equal at least to Dr. Mayhew; and this opin-
ion we ground not BO much on his letters to Mr. Hollis and his successor, as on
a long account of the effects of the dispute between America and Great Britain,

which In 1 sent to another friend in England, in the year si.\ty-ci<iht, and which
has been communicated to us by his respectable correspondent. In this account,
there is a candor and moderation expressed in tin; utmost propriety of language,
that does honor both to his abilities and his heart. The times of which he writes
became much more critical after the death of Dr. Mayhew ; and as they grew
from bad to worse, he was put to the proof of his magnanimity, by his sufferings
from a licentious soldiery, irritated by the spirited resistance of Dr. Eliot's com-
patriots; the fruits of which we may hope he is now enjoying more to his own
comfort, not without frequent occasions of employing Ins valuable talents to the
edification of his countrymen, m his own particular department." Pa<xc .'*?!>.

The hope expressed in this extract, was not realized. The Memoirs of Hollis
were published in 1780; but Dr. Eliot died on the loth of September, 177^.
Notices of him may be found in these Collections, and especially in the 2d
Series, Vol. I. p. 227. R. F. Jr.

LETTERS FROM ANDREW ELIOT TO THOMAS HOLLIS.

N. E.i Boston, Nov. 14, 1760.
Sir,

I received yours of September 6, a few days since,
with the Aery kind and generous present which accom-
panied ir^ for which I beg leave to return you my sincerest
thanks. You will easily believe such a token of regard,
| from a gentleman of so distinguished a character and so
justly honored among us, gave me the highest satisfaction.
It could proceed only from the benevolence of your heart.
• The books with which you have favored me, are excel-

Ilent in their kind ; some of them I have already perused
with great pleasure. Dr. B n's Confessional is one of
'the most valuable performances of the age, and would be
as useful as it is excellent, if men in power did not suffer
their own little interests to preponderate every other con-
sideration. The imposition of subscriptions, is a yoke
which I have long thought ought not to be borne. It can
H answer no end but to promote bigotry and hypocrisy, and
has occasioned more perjury and prevarication, than per-
haps any one thing in the world. I rejoice to find the
I |:ause of liberty undertaken by one so every way able to
lefend it. I am surprised Dr. Rutherford ventured abroad
I lis flimsy performance, in opposition to the manly sense
;ind just reasoning of the Confessional.

400 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

I am charmed with the considerations relative to the
appointment of Bishops in the Colonies, added to the
appeal. The Appendix is admirable. We must have it
reprinted. The author's name will be concealed. I fear
this excellent man has too much honor and integrity ever
to adorn the bench of B ps.

The pieces in the public prints I have read — some with
pleasure and others with astonishment. In the present
state of things, we must expect to find syndics, men of con-
tracted minds and mean tools of power. If such men only
were to be slaves, it might be less regretted. They deserve
to lose their liberty, who can so tamely resign it. I should
be sick of the world, if there was not here and there one
of another spirit ; but upon how few can we depend, if Mr.
Pitt, the great patriot, who seemed formed to stem the tor-
rent of corruption, has been gained over by the northern
Thane. May he not yet emerge and save a sinking nation !
I shall take care to have the piece signed A Minorite, and
several others, inserted in our papers. I am surprised that
we have attended so little to the settling a Popish bishop
in Canada. I think the Church of England allows the
validity of Popish, though not of Presbyterian, ordination.
(If it comes from the sacred hands of a bishop, though he
is the professed offspring of the whore of Babylon, the
mother of harlots, it is well enough.) Our candidates for
holy orders, who have been obliged to expose themselves,
and to venture their precious lives, in crossing the Atlantic,
may now avoid that danger ; they need only to take a little
trip to Quebec, and they may be ordained to their satisfac-
tion, and to the satisfaction of those who employ them.

I entirely agree with you, that an interest in the public
prints is of great importance. The spirit of liberty would
soon be lost, and the people would grow quite lethargic, if
there were not some on the watch, to awaken and rouse
them. We, in America, are perhaps more obliged to our
friends in Great Britain, who raised a spirit among the peo-
ple, than to the P 1 who repealed the act which was

calculated (I do not say designed) to enslave the Colonies.

The letter from Paris, and the judicious queries rela-
tive to the Jesuits, are quite alarming. How can our
church dignitaries wink at such things'? It would cer-

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas ] loll is. 401

tainly be to better purpose, to employ good missionaries, to
preserve their own people from popery, than to send such
as they do, to propagate the Church of England in America.

Sacerdos Rusticus, 1 have had no opinion of sine- he
preached the sermon before the incorporated Society, when
he asserted, that the Episcopalians in New-England (with-
out making the least exception) were taxed to support
Independent ministers, which was not true. In another
edition of his sermon, if I remember right, he says this law
has been since repealed ; whereas he ought candidly to have
said, there was no such law in being, when he said there
was. His opposition to the .Vet that incorporated a Society
among ourselves, for Propagating the Gospel, &c., was
mean and contemptible. His attempt to disguise plain
facts, in his answer to Dr. Maybe w, was scarcely consistent
with common honesty. The Doctor was extremely cautious
in his account of facts, and I am persuaded they may be all
depended upon.

I cannot mention the name of my excellent friend, with-
out lamenting the loss which the cause of learning, of
liberty, and of religion, has sustained in his death. He
was a great and good man. His seizure was of the para-
lytic kind. I saw him often in his sickness, but he never
appeared to have the clear exercise of reason. The dis-
temper attacked him with such violence, that I could not
wish for his life, of which some entertained hopes. He
would have been only the shadow of Dr. Mayhew. He left
an amiable widow and two desirable children ; one is since
deceased.

I have taken the liberty to enclose a letter of thanks to
Dr. Harris, for his obliging present, which I must ask the
favor of you to convey to him, in such way as you think
proper.

I send the whole by Mr. Dolbear, a modest young gentle-
man, educated at Harvard College, but who chose to enter
into business, rather than to follow his studies. He will
receive your commands with pleasure.

I am, Sir, with the greatest gratitude and respect, your
obliged and most obedient, humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

Thomas Hollis, Esq.
4th s. — vol. iv. 51

402 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

Boston, K E., Jan. 7, 1767.
Sir,

I beg leave to inform you that I have received the
papers you was so good as to send me ; one under cover to
Mr. Quincy, the other by Capt. Bruce. I have engaged our
printers to publish several of the pieces I have received
from you. Our political disputes have hitherto prevented
them. Our people are yet too fond of Mr. Pitt, (we
have not learned to call him Earl Chatham,) to bear any
thing against him, fallen as he is ! The talk of a statue,
indeed, seems to be at an end.

It will give you pleasure to know that the generous
addition you have made to your benefactions to the College,
is safely arrived in Capt. Bruce. The books are not yet
sent to Cambridge, which is the reason you hear nothing
from the President. As a friend to Harvard College, I
sincerely thank you for your liberality to that society. The
books you have sent are vastly curious and valuable, and
the binding elegant. I hope their external appearance will
invite our young gentlemen to peruse them, which I am
persuaded was your principal design in sending them.

I have just seen Dr. Warburton's society sermon. I
thought what Dr. Mayhew has written, would have cured
both the society and their missionaries of that disposition
they have always had, to misrepresent facts. But it seems,
according to Dr. Warburton, we now need missionaries to
convert us, not from heathenism, but infidelity. But if
infidelity prevails, which the Doctor without any warrant
says it does, the present missionaries are not like to put a
stop to it. I am personally acquainted with the dissenting
ministers in every place but one, where the society have
missionaries in this Province, and it is no reflection on the
missionaries to say, the dissenting teachers, as they affect
to call our ministers, are much more able to defend Chris-
tianity, or any other cause.

Nee tali auxilis, nee defens oribus istis
Tempus eget.

But something must be said to amuse their hearers, and
get their money, and it seems to me they little regard

Letters from Andrew Eliot to 'Thomas Jfof/is. 403

whether it be true or false. Such a conduct in the min-
isters of religion, has a greater tendency to promote Infidel-
ity, than all the hooks which arc said to be dispersed
among us.

1 again return yon my thanks for your undeserved notice
of me, and am, your obliged, humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.
Mr. HoUis.

Boston, N. E., May 13, 17G7.

Sir,

April 20, by Capt. Davis, I received your obliging
letter, with the kind present that accompanied it, for which
you have my sincerest thanks. There was also a parcel
from Dr. Harris, to whom I have made my acknowledg-
ments, in a letter I have taken the liberty to enclose to you.
The book for the College at New York, I enclosed to Pres-
ident Cooper, and sent by a safe hand. I was particularly
pleased with ' The Ercellencie of a Free State.' I wonder
so valuable a performance has been so long hid. The style
and manner are far beyond the writers of that day, and the
treatise justly gives the author a place among the most
noble writers on government. I could have wished, how-
ever, that when the editor mentioned him as inferior only
to Milton, he had also inserted Sydney, " that," as you justly
style him, kC Martyr to Civil Liberty." I am perhaps preju-
diced in favor of that great man, because he was the first
who taught me to form any just sentiments on government.
The Jesuit's Oration is a fine performance, — the translation
is a good one, but I do not think it always comes up to the
force and beautv of the original. I could hardlv forbear
publishing your judicious observations on the stage ; but
thought myself bound to comply with the letter of your
directions. I am no enemy to innocent amusements, but I
have long thought our modern theatre, " the bane of virtue"
Some years ago theatrical entertainments were introduced
among us. I had such an opinion of their pernicious ten-
dency, especially in a young country, that I exerted myself
to procure an Act to prohibit them, and by the help of

404 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

friends, succeeded. This does not wholly prevent them ;
but so many are engaged to suppress them, that they will
not soon be publicly tolerated. It gave me high pleasure
to find my sentiments coincided with yours.

You greatly honor me by proposing me as a correspond-
ent to Archdeacon Blackburne. I immediately felt the
loss of Dr. Mayhew, and imaged to myself the great
advantage the Colonies might have reaped, by a correspond-
ence between those great and good men. I find myself
unequal to it, but shall willingly receive his commands, as
well as yours, and contribute what little I can to the glori-
ous cause in which you are both engaged. I hope you
will favor me with the Archdeacon's character, which you
mention in your letter. I should be glad to know every
thing of that excellent man ; but no one can read his writ-
ings and not be satisfied that he is one of the greatest and
best men in England. You, Sir, and the Archdeacon, are
greatly capable of serving the American Colonies ; suffer
me to recommend them to your care and patronage. I am
much mistaken if you will not find, that while you defend
them, you are promoting the real interest of Great Britain.
The people here have no notion of aiming at independence.
They highly value their connection with their mother coun-
try. They glory in the name of Englishmen, and only
desire to enjoy the liberties of Englishmen. This, I know,
will recommend them to your esteem — it will to the esteem
of every good man. We have imprudent men among us,
but the community ought not to suffer for the faults of a
few.

I daily mourn over Mr. Pitt, the only man capable of
setting things right between Great Britain and her Colo-
nies — because he had the confidence of both. I tremble
for the nation which has so few honest patriots. These
few, I fear, will not be able to stem the torrent of ambition,
luxury and venality. In this Province there will be con-
tinual altercations between our chief and the assembly. He
has lost the confidence of the people, if he ever had it.
But at present the people are so agreed, and so many are
upon the watch, that no one will care to attempt any en-
croachments.

I find in your letter, and in one of the pamphlets you

Letters from Andre ir Eliot to Thomas HolltS. 405

was so good as to send me, that tin 4 liberty of the press
hath been attacked, [f this refers to any late attempts, we
have? not had any accounts in the public prints, and cannot
tell what it intends. Nothing is of greater importance 4
than to secure the entire freedom of publishing, without
fear, any censures upon public measures. The liberty of
the press is the palladium of English liberty. If this is
gone, all is gone. I hope there is so much virtue and
spirit in the nation, as to risk everything, rather than to
suffer it to be taken from them. The after imprudence of
poor Wilkes, lost a fine opportunity to fix it on so firm a
basis as to prevent every future attempt.

I hope your intended retreat will not be at a distance to
prevent your affording your assistance in the cause of public
liberty. If it will, I wish it may be protracted not only
months, but years ! many years ! Your hint about corres-
pondents, visitants and sermons, I shall endeavor to im-
prove, with care and prudence, and believe, after some little
time, you will have very little trouble in this way. One
honest man of my acquaintance I was afraid of. He knew
not of any correspondence between us when he went from
hence ; and when I wrote to him, I took particular care
not to mention your name, and to send my letters to you by
another, who I thought had more discretion.

April 25. — By Capt. Dashwood, I received under cover
from you, a letter from the excellent Dr. Blackburne, and
another to Mrs. Mayhcw, which I immediately delivered
into her hands. The Doctor's letter is full of goodness,
and gives me a nearer view of the virtue and abilities of
that great man. I have taken the liberty to send him an
answer, which I enclose to you. I have written, I fear,
with too much freedom. My temper is frank and open ; I
could wish both you and the Doctor knew the inward sen-
timents of my heart. I should be quite willing you should
open the letter, and if you approve of it, put it under
another cover, and direct it to him. The point that gives
me concern is this. I have spoken very freely of Bishops.
This may look rude to one of the Episcopal persuasion, and
who, if time should ever be that merit will recommend to
preferment, will himself be of that order. I beg, Sir, you
will excuse me to him, if I have proceeded further than
was proper.

406 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

April 28. — I received by the same conveyance, a box of
prints and a parcel of valuable pamphlets. Such of the
prints as you ordered for the College, I delivered to the
President. Be pleased to accept my acknowledgments for
those with which you have favored me; and for the Tracts, —
they are all curious, and few of them would have reached
us but for your benevolence. Our friends on your side the
water, do not send even those pamphlets which directly
attack our privileges, and in which we are deeply interested.
Such is the inattention of mankind ! I am surprised at the
impudence with which the papists plead for toleration.
He must have lost all principles of self-preservation, who
will take a serpent into his bosom, especially when he has
felt his sting, and but just escaped with his life. I cannot
say I am sorry Dr. Rutherford has exercised his pen.
This is a controversy I desire to see carried through.
Truth and liberty will be promoted. It cannot be in better

hands than A. X). B n's — whether he will think the

Professor's little pieces of importance enough to deserve his
notice, I do not know.

I am sorry you have given such strict injunctions with
respect to the MS. Notes. Some, at least, I should gladly
have preserved, but every direction of your's shall be
punctually complied with, by

My dear Sir, your very obliged friend, and most obedient
servant,

Andrew Eliot.

1 New England produces very little worthy attention.
Mr. Hutchinson's History contains a valuable collection of
facts. The respectable author had but little time to adorn
it. The whole was almost lost to the public, when the
Lieutenant Governor's house was destroyed.

The good people of Boston are very careful to distin-
guish between the 14th and the 26th of August. The
attack on Secretary Oliver, our S — p M — r — , it is sup-

1 The commencement of this letter is missing.

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Ilollis. 107

posed was under the direction of some persons of charac-
ter. It is certain, people in general were not displeased.
The 26th of August was under a very different direction.
It Avas a scene of riot, drunkenness, profaneness and rob-
bery. As Mr. Hutchinson's house is quite near to A. K,
he was an eye-witness of the whole transaction.

There is a report, mentioned in a letter of August 22,
(which is inserted in the Appendix to the Conduct of the

late Administration,) supposed to be written by G r

B d, and to refer to Dr. Mayhew, which is not true.

" Another Congregational minister, well known by his late
polemical writings, has as I have been told by several persons
[who heard him], justified this proceeding, in his sermon,
and prayed for its success." The Doctor preached a ser-
mon on liberty, but said not one word of the attack on the
Secretary. The next day was the 26th of August. Some
malevolent persons charged the riot of that evening upon
the Doctor, though the plan was laid before, and it is ques-
tioned whether one of the rioters had ever heard of the
Doctors sermon. The Doctor's tender spirit was much
moved with such a report. He preached the next Sunday
a sermon against abusing liberty to licentiousness. Some
now charged him with contradiction. He thought himself
much injured, as he undoubtedly was. " Of the 14th of
August, I choose to say nothing," said he to A. E., not
long before his much to be lamented departure, " the pro-
ceedings of the 26th I abhor, from my very soul." His
sermon on the Stamp Act, was by far the best that was
published. The authors of some of the others would not
like to hear this.

Tis wished the Parliament may not do something that
may produce fresh disturbances. 1 They take too much
notice of the sallies of some warm party-men. The people
in general are quiet. If the Parliament did not take care
to keep them awake, the danger is that they would soon
sink into security, and suffer their privileges to be taken
from them, without opposition. Good often comes out of
evil !

Boston, August 27, 1767.

1 The business of White rose is, to inflame every where ! of that A. E. thinks
not. — Note by Hollis.

408 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

Boston, Nov. 13, 1767.
Sir,

Accept my acknowledgments for your kind present,
by Capt. Scott, which I received October 27, together with
your obliging letter, dated May 11, 1767. I rejoice that
the excellent Archdeacon has taken in hand those triflers
who have written against The Confessional. Such feeble
attempts can serve only to raise the reputation of that in-
comparable book. It would be easy for a much inferior
writer to show the futility of their remarks. But no one
seems to have so thorough an acquaintance with the sub-
ject as the Doctor hath. He adds some new light every
time he takes up his pen. The fugitive pieces that worthy
man writes in the papers, are admirably calculated to pro-
mote the cause of truth and liberty. Venerable Mr. Flem-
ing, is an excellent second. I am particularly obliged to
you for that gentleman's Root of Protestant Errors Exam-
ined. I had before observed, with surprise, that passage
in Mosheim, upon which he animadverts in such a masterly
manner. The Note of the translator displeased me still
more. I had always considered Mr. Maclaine as out of the
pale of the Church of England. Sure I have been mis-
taken ! No Protestant, that was not enlisted under the
hierarchy, could write as he does, of " a noble edifice, a
solemn music, a well-ordered set of external gestures," that
" they elevate the mind, give it a composed and solemn
frame, and thus contribute to the fervor of its devotion."
Such empty pageantry can produce only a mechanical kind
of devotion, entirely opposite to the rational, manly relig-
ion which Jesus Christ inculcates on his followers. I

heartily pray those great and good men, Dr. B n and

Mr. F g, may live to be a scourge to bigots of all de-
nominations.

You are quite right in supposing the people of N. A.
would lose their fondness for a late Great Commoner. His
patriotism is no longer mentioned. His name is sunk into
oblivion. It was almost in the power of that unhappy man
to have saved the nation ; and so meanly to desert it at
such a time, will make him the object of the execrations
of an injured people, to the latest posterity. I should be

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Mollis. 409

glad to know the author of that spirited Elegy on Mr. Pitt,
which you was so good as to send me some time since. It
is certainly much superior to the common poetical produc-
tions of the present day. Mr. Wilkes has been mentioned
among us as the author. I pity that unfortunate, though 1
fear imprudent man.

I was greatly surprised that so many of your letters
to the President had been unanswered. The Corporation
have always been careful to vote their thanks for every
single hook sent by you, as well as for your many greater
benefactions to the College. Immediately on the receipt of
yours, I waited on the President at Cambridge. He com-
pared your dates with the College records. He found that
all your favors had come safe, and assured me that he had
written answers to all your letters. There must have been
some unhappy accident. Two letters, I am pretty certain,
he hath sent since the time you mention. 'Tis very possi-
ble he may have omitted to send answers to some of your
letters. That good gentleman is near eighty. His memory
fails more than any of his powers of body or of mind. He
is really an honest, worthy, eatholie man. When he was
chosen President, which is now more than thirty years,
there was a struggle between bigotry and Catholicism — his
election was a victory gained by the latter. He has engaged
to send you copies of all his letters which you have not
received.

I am obliged to you for your anecdote concerning Dr.
Warburton. I remember to have seen the book you men-
tion in the college library, viz., A Philosophical Enquiry,
Sec. But as I never was charmed with his w r ritings, I had
no inclination to read it. My curiosity is now excited. I
wonder among his numerous opponents, no one has
attacked him on this head.

I have been this week at the College, to assist in the
disposing your last generous donation. The books you
send are all admirably chosen, and must have cost you
much pains to collect. They make a fine appearance, and
I am persuaded will be the most useful part of the
library.

In one of the boxes we met with a beautiful edition of
the Greek Testament, and some other valuable books, sent
4th s. — vol. iv. 5ii

410 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

by Mr. Boivyer, a benefactor for whom we are indebted to
you. There was a polite and elegant Latin inscription on
the blank leaf of the New Testament. The good opinion
of a gentleman of his learning and abilities, cannot but
afford the sincerest pleasure to the friends of that seminary.
It will, I hope, be a stimulus to both instructors and pupils,
to merit the distinction he so obligingly gives us. The
indisposition or absence of some of the members of the
Corporation, is the reason that thanks are not sent to you
and him by this conveyance. If you think it best, you
will let that good gentleman know that his kind donation
has been received, and that we have the most grateful sen-
timents of his candor and generosity. Please to present
my particular acknowledgments to him. He may expect
very soon to hear from the President, and to receive the
thanks of the College in a more proper way.

While at Cambridge, I received a parcel from you, under
the protection of the reverend President ; for this additional
instance of your kind regard I heartily thank you. I have
had time only to peruse the Society's sermon, and a most
extraordinary one it is ! I do not wonder they endeavor to
conceal these annual productions. They are such miser-
able performances in themselves, so full of falsehood,
scurrility and pious fraud, that they are not fit to see the
light. I am glad, however, that our missionaries have
sent so few accounts, or that the Society are so wise as not
to publish them. I particularly observed the passage you
marked, relative to a Bishop of Canada. These gentlemen
seem to have lost all modesty. They first, contrary to all
law, policy and religion, send a bishop to encourage the
inhabitants of this newly conquered country in their fatal
superstitions ; at least, they do nothing to prevent it ; and
then argue from thence, that the hierarchy must be estab-
lished in the other Colonies. Was not this the main thing
they had in view in sending this popish bishop 1 How
many consequences is this event to draw after it ! Lord
Taajfe argues, that because they have a bishop in Canada,
the Papists ought to be tolerated in Ireland. Bishop
Ewer, from the same indulgence, argues that a Church of
England bishop ought to be sent to the other Colonies.
Others, perhaps, as justly think it had been much the best if

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis. Ill

the first of these events had not taken place; but that the
making one wrong step, is no reason for taking another. I
hope there has been no agreement between tie.' bishops and
the Papists — but if 1 hear of a bishop sent to America, I

shall fear there is a concatenation of causes and effects, and
shall expect soon to hear that popery is tolerated in Ireland.
then in England. I hope in (jod it will never he estab-
lished ' But may not some future archbishop (we must not
suspect any such thing of the present ! ! ) again bring on
the scheme of uniting the two Churches, the popish and
the protestant, and become papa alterius orbis ! How futile
the pretence of the hardship put upon the missionaries,
that they arc obliged to cross the Atlantic! They have
a line opportunity of seeing Great Britain. Their charges
are home by their parishioners. It is, on the whole, an
agreeable amusement. If this was all the objection I had
to conforming, you would see me in England before many
weeks. This is all a mere pretence. They who plead so
strongly for an American bishop, have other ends in view ;
to make a more pompous show, by which they hope to
increase their faction ; to add to the number of Lord
Bishops ; to extend their episcopal influence ; to subject
the American dissenters to their yoke ; to tyrannize over
those who yet stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ
hath made them free ; and — as Dr. Blackburne judiciously
observes in the letter I had the honor of receiving from
him — to prevent any reformation at home. God prevent
the execution of their pernicious designs !

I see by the title page of one of your last pamphlets,

that the incomparable Dr. B n is again attacked. Be

it by Leviathan himself, or by any, by all his dependents, I
have no fear for the event. The Doctor will shake them
off with as much ease as St. Paul did the viper, without
receiving the least harm. His cause is good, and he is
quite able to maintain it, I wrote to you and to the
Doctor by Capt. Marshall ; both which I enclosed in a
parcel directed to Israel Mauduit, Esq., and which I hope
you have received. By the same Captain -Marshall, who is
returned to America, under a cover superscribed by your
well-known kind hand, I have a receipt for a box directed
to me. Capt. Marshall unfortunately had the small-pox

412 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

on board, and hath been obliged to keep below some time.
His vessel is just come up. The box, I doubt not, will be
speedily delivered. You may expect very soon to hear
again from,

Dear Sir, your obliged friend and very humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

It ought to have been mentioned above, that four boxes
arrived in Capt. Scott. Mr. Hubbard was informed of the
notice you took of his letter of advice.

To T. Hollis, Esq.

Boston, December 10, 1767.
Dear Sir,

In my last, of November 13, I acquainted you that
Capt. Marshall was arrived. November 17, I received the
box, for which 1 had his receipt.

Your letter to Mrs. Mayhew, I delivered the same day in
which I received it ; and forwarded that to the President,
to whom also I conveyed the book which came to me for
the College, in Capt. Scott, and the eight books I found
directed to Harvard College, among those with which you
have been pleased to enrich me. You have laid me, Sir,
under greater obligations than ever, by this generous pres-
ent of some of the most valuable books in the English
language. You will allow me to accept the Sermons from
the great Leviathan's down to poor Mr. Parsons's — a worthy
piece, truly ! to be dedicated to a monarch of Great Britain !
What a specimen this of the taste of the age !

Harrington, Sydney, Locke, almost any man may study
his whole life to advantage. I am particularly obliged to
you for Milton's prose works. They who consider that
very great man only as a poet of the first rank, know less
than half his character. He was every thing. I have often
read detached pieces of his, and shall never be weary of
his Defensio Populi Anglicani, &c. I have been told, that
Salmasius fell into a languishment upon reading that book ;
he must have been without sensibility, if he long survived

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas HoUis. \ 1 :}

it. I blush to own that I have never gone through the
whole of these prose works. I have lost a great deal.
Perhaps my pleasure is the greater now. Milton wrote
Latin so well, that it seems a pity he should be read in any
other language. But his sentiments are so just, and his
attachment to liberty so firm, that he ought to be open to
every Englishman.

I thank you, Sir, for the character you have so oblig-
ingly given me of the excellent Dr. Blackburne. His
writings prove it a just one. Perhaps the condescending
goodness with which that great man has treated me, may
have rendered me a little partial ; but I had before con-
ceived the highest opinion of his abilities and integrity.
Your account, you will easily believe, hath not lessened it.
I am sorry to find he is so far advanced in life, because the
world will be too soon deprived of one who can ill be
spared out of it. I hope in God he will live to see some
happy effect of his excellent labors. I received the Doc-
tor's letter through your hands ; it is, like himself, replete
with good sense, and breathes the same excellent spirit
there is in every thing he WTitcs.

I have read Dr. Rotherams artful performance. He
might have help from Sacerdos Rusticus, but the cause they
are engaged in, needs still greater abilities, or it will sink.
Dr. Dawson's answer is a proper rebuke of such high-
church rant. I shall be glad to find the author (Rotheram)
still further chastised by the other excellent men you men-
tion. If I may judge, this piece can impose on those only
who are willing to be deceived ; there is some sophistry,
but little solid reasoning. Pie or they, who wrote it, seem
in a panic, lest they should lose their dear establishment.
I wish there was more reason for those fears. I am per-
suaded Christianity would be in no danger, though the
whole body of canons, and articles, and subscriptions of
every kind were wholly abolished, and the hierarchy itself
leveled to the ground.

It grieves me that you find yourself so pressed. But,
dear Sir, is there no medium'? I fear the absolute retreat
of a gentleman so well employed as you have always been,
might have an effect very different from what you, and all
your friends, would wish. I am mistaken if you could be

414 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

content with an inactive life. God forbid, that your life
should be cut short, like excellent Dr. Mayhew's ! — but I
am sure you would prefer his fate, to a useless, insipid old
age. [Otium cum dignitate, Doctor] 1 ]

I am sorry you are still troubled with impertinents. I
have taken every method which I thought would be agree-
able to you, to procure you rest, and hoped I had effected
the end. No one on this side the water will have the
courage [imp-d— ce] to speak disrespectfully of Mr. Hol-
lis. I shall be more free in letting your mind be known.
I wrote with the utmost freedom to the excellent A. D. B.,
and find by his answer it was not displeasing to him. That
is certainly a singularly good man !

If I understand your hint about " the friends of the
people of N. E.," you are entirely right. It is a matter
which hath given great pain to me, and many others. But
what can be done 1 The managers of our public affairs,
like those on your side the Atlantic, are governed by pri-
vate views and the spirit of a party. Few have any regard
to the good of the public. Men are patriots till they get

in place, and then are ! ! ! anything. The corruptions

of such men have, however, their use — they watch the con-
duct of men in power, and by their opposition, keep off
many evils which could not be prevented without them.
One Ag — t we had some years ago, who, I believe, was the
only one we have chosen, who had capacity and inclination
to serve us ; a gentleman of learning, leisure and inde-
pendence, and who perfectly understood American affairs.
He was dismissed just when we most needed one of such a
character. I wish I had any prospect of better times !
I carefully observe your direction about loose notes, Sec, as
I do every command of yours. I should gladly preserve
some, but with whatever reluctance, I burn them at the
time you appoint. Harpocrates himself was never more
silent than I am, about every thing you write, except where
the nature of the thing directs that it must be communi-
cated.

I have observed, with pleasure, the care taken by Parlia-
ment, one branch at least, to have a list taken of the
papists. I wish success to every attempt to curb the inso-

1 A remark by Hollis.

Letters from And me Eliot to Thomas Hollis. 11")

lence of those enemies of truth, of liberty, of mankind.
Every attempt to alarm the nation is laudable. We are
not to be weary in well-doing. But what ran be expected,
while the ministry is so unfixed. The bishops, who should

load in this important cause, rather clog and hurt it; and
an invisible favorite governs all ; who, it seems, is most per-
versely bent to oppose every salutary measure. Is there
no way to break the charm i I wait, with impatience, to

hear what is like to he 4 the event of a new Parliament.
But how strange is it, that a scnsihle people should sell
themselves and their country ; that they should suffer them-
selves to he purchased by those, who they are sure mean to
carry them to market. It seems too easy for a minister to
gain a majority to favor any measures he is pleased to pro-
pose. 1 fear this one thing- will be the ruin of the Eng-
lish nation. What cannot a K — g, a M-n-st-r do, that has

a Parliament devoted to him, and a standing army to

1 dare not write what I think. I wish the time predicted
by the almost inspired Montesquieu, may be very distant.

I have no personal connection with Isrl Mdt, and know
very little of his character. Our patriots were extremely
desirous of choosing him Ag — t, when his brother resigned.
One great plea was, that he was a Dissenter of vast inter-
est. He hath been kind in procuring [purchasing] books
for the College. My only correspondence with him has been
to convey catalogues to him, and to receive the books when
sent. I w r as just sending a new catalogue to Mr. Mdt,
when I wrote to you, and thought it would be a safe con-
veyance. I am obliged to you for your hint. I should
alway choose to convey what I write in that way that would
be most agreeable.

Mr. Wheelock is a gentleman who discovered a warm,

enthusiastic spirit, in the time of our late religious com-

1 motions. The ministers of Boston, and the Commissioners

I for Indian Affairs, appointed by a corporation in London,

i (among whom was Dr. Mayhew, and of which Board I

have also the honor to be a member,) at first encouraged

i this school which Mr. Wheelock set up ; not because we had

any great opinion of him, but because we were willing to

. try every method to serve the poor Indians. We soon

found that he had great, and as we feared, romantic

416 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Ilollis.

designs ; and besides, he was, as we thought, very unrea-
sonable in his charges. We therefore withdrew ourselves.
Mr. Wheelock went on to bring Indian lads from their own
country, which is some hundred miles distant from the
place where he resides. He collected large sums in Great
Britain, under the influence of Mr. Whitefielcl, who is a
great promoter of the scheme. He, Mr. Wheelock, or
some of his missionaries, went through New England and
procured considerable help, though I believe but little in
Connecticut, which is his own Province. This money he
took into his own hands, and expended as he pleased, with-
out being accountable to any. This was thought too great
a trust to be in one man's hands. No one charged Mr.
Wheelock with applying the money to any other purpose
than that for which it was collected; but it was appre-
hended that others should be joined with him in the
direction of the school, and that he ought to be account-
able somewhere. This has generally been the case, when
money has been given to public uses ; and we had not such
an opinion of his judgment and prudence, as to think he
ought to be an exception. However, although the minis-
ters of this Town had scarce any of them any raised
expectations from Mr. Wheelock's school, yet they had not
light to oppose it — and the Commissioners gave fifteen
pounds sterling per annum, till they were expressly forbid
by their constituents in London.

Mr. Occum, who is now in England, was born at Mohe-
gan, an Indian Settlement in Connecticut, surrounded with
English Towns. He has spent most of his life there, or
near it. He understands no Indian language but that of
the place where he was born, where they also converse in
English, and where the Commissioners had lecturers and
schools long before he came on the stage. He was, as I
am told, educated by Mr. Wheelock, with a view to the
ministry, but years before there was any particular school
for the education of Indians — and I know of no difference
between him and any English lad that might have been
taken from our own settlements, except that he is of a
darker complexion. He was employed for many years to
preach, and keep a school, in some Indian settlements in
Connecticut and on Long Island, till he expressed a

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas J foil is. 11

Willingness to go among the Six Nations; he tarried there
but a few weeks, and I have not heard that he ever
returned. When he was going to England, neither he,
nor anv for him, applied to the ministers of Boston to
recommend the design upon which he was going. I sup-
pose they concluded they should fail of success, if they did
apply. We are ignorant of the plan, we have no great
opinion of the projectors, nor of the methods that are
taken to procure money — for what purpose is Mr. Occum
sent to England, &c. I It is true he is an Indian, but
there is nothing extraordinary in his being able to preach
in the English tongue ; he learned it in bis childhood.
Could not an Englishman have told the errand, as well
without as with him I He is no Mohawk ; he knows
nothing of their language ; he is no better qualified to be
a missionary than any English person would be ; nor do I
believe be has fortitude enough to tarry long among the
wild savages. When he preached in the Massachusetts, the
people generally looked upon him as a Mohawk ; as one
just come out of heathenism ; as the produce of Mr.
Wheelock's Indian school ; neither of which is the truth
of the case. I hope such stories are not propagated in
Great Britain. I detest frauds of every kind, especially in
religion. I shall be glad if any good comes of the vast
collections that have been made. But I fear this projection
will turn out like Mr. Whitefield's orphan-house. I am
glad the money collected in Great Britain is to be kept
there. Dr. Harris writes me, that Mr. Whitaker, and
Occum, cast reflections on the ministers of Boston for not
recommending them. I shall write a vindication of our-
selves to him. If we are to blame, it is that we did not
set matters in a just light before. The Commissioners
did indeed write to their constituents a plain narrative of
facts relative to Mr". Occum. I wish it had been printed.
I forgat to mention that no one minister of Boston invited
Occum to preach in his pulpit, except Mr. Moorhead, an
Irish Presbyterian.

When I received Dr. Ewer's sermon from you. I intended

to have published some remarks upon it in the public

prints, as you advised. But my worthy friend Dr. Chauncy,

to whom 1 lent the sermon, expressing an inclination to

4th s. — vol. iv. 53

418 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Ilollis.

write an answer at large — I gave my copy to him. This
was the only one which was to be come at in this town, or
any where else, except at College, so that we are entirely
obliged to yon for the knowledge of the aspersions that
are cast upon us, and for the opportunity of vindicating
ourselves from them. The Doctor is now publishing some
remarks, which from what he has communicated to me,
appear to be written with freedom and manly sense. If
these remarks are out in season, I shall send some copies
by this conveyance. After I knew the Doctor's design, I
gave over the thought of publishing in the papers, lest he
should think it interfered with him.

I was so taken up with the vastly superior authors you
had favored me with, that I did not for some time look into
the A-b-p's sermons. I had seen his Society sermon form-
erly, and indeed that whole volume. His Grace, after the
College was burned, sent one volume of his sermons to the
Library. When I bad perused his sermon, I immediately
wrote some remarks, which I designed for the press, but
upon communicating this sermon to Dr. Chauncy, he said
he would insert some marginal notes relative to it. I
thought he would do the business more effectually than I
should, and besides, was fearful he would not take it well
if I interposed just when he was publishing on the subject.
I send you a copy of what I designed to put into the prints,
which you are at liberty to make what use of you please.
I also lent Dr. Warburton's sermon to Dr. Chauncy.

The people in this Town are not pleased with the late
regulations of Parliament — the new burthens laid upon
them. They have voted that they will suppress all mobs
and riots, but they have ordered a subscription paper to be
carried through the Town and to be sent to all the Towns
in the Province, in which the subscribers engage not to use
a variety of enumerated articles, which we used to import
from Great Britain. Some articles are included which are
quite necessary, at least which custom hath made so. It
may have some effect, and cause us to retrench some
extravagances. Some have great expectations that these
measures will alarm the manufacturers in England, and
that we shall have relief that way, as we had in the Stamp
Act. Few of the trading part have subscribed. Some are

Letters from Andrew "Eliot to Thomas Hollis. 119

of opinion, that if, instead of this bluster, we had exerted
ourselves to promote those manufactures which we are
capable of introducing, it had been better. The plan might
then have been durable, whereas now it cannot last very
long, and it is feared that the people of England will look
upon it as an empty threat, and despise it. Whereas, by
engaging vigorously in manufactures, Great Britain would
soon feel the importance of the Colonies, and find a very
sensible lessening of their exports.

The present burthens may possibly be borne without any
great opposition ; I believe they will ; but it is easy to see
that the people are sullen, and think themselves ill-treated.
They cannot be persuaded that the Parliament hath a right
to impose taxes upon them. They imagine that the consti-
tuting Provincial Assemblies, with power of taxation, in
the very nature of the thing , supposes that they are not to
be taxed by others. The distance of the Parliament, they
think, renders it incapable of judging* what the Colonies
are able to pay, and what taxes are proper and would not
be oppressive. Besides, the members of the House of
Commons, who originate taxes, cannot have a fellow-feeling
with their brethren in the Colonies, as they have with those
who are near them, whose difficulties they see and whose
complaints they hear. Every burthen laid on the Colonies
would tend to ease those upon whom the members of the
House of Commons depend ; at least they would think so.
The Colonists are also of opinion that they do already pay
their full proportion to the taxes of the nation, by the con-
sumption of her manufactures ; in this way they maintain
great part of Britain, and enable the inhabitants to pay
taxes, excises, duties, &c. All our money now goes to the
parent country ; they cannot have it both ways. If they do
not tax us, we shall lay out all our superfluous cash, and
should do it if there was ten times as much, in the manu-
factures of Britain. The present turn of the people is to
cultivate their lands, and not to go into manufactures — and
by these means they may be said to maintain a number of
industrious people in England, &c, who would otherwise
find it hard to subsist. If Great Britain takes away our
money in taxes, we mast go into manufactures, and instead
of contributing to the support of honest, industrious labor-

420 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

ers, which we are willing to do, we shall be obliged to
maintain a parcel of pitiful sycophants, court parasites, and
hungry dependents, in luxury and extravagance ; and who
will probably be sent over to watch and oppress those who
support them.

I hope the scheme of giving salaries to our Governors
and Judges will not take place, or th|tt they will not be so
large as hath been proposed. The Judges ought to be in-
dependent ; but I wish some other way may be found out to
make them so. In a little time it is likely the people will
see the importance of it, and will do it of themselves. But
if large salaries are given, we shall have needy, poor law-
yers from England, Scotland, or some tools of power of our
own, placed on the bench. Our Governors will be men
who, having answered the ends of some Minister, will be
sent here for a reward of their despicable services ; these
being hackneyed in the paths of deceit and avarice, will
be fit tools to enslave and oppress an honest people ; or
else we shall have some noble scoundrel, who has spent his
fortune in every kind of luxury and debauchery.

Unreasonable impositions tend to alienate the hearts of
the Colonists. We are not ripe for a disunion ; but our
growth is so great, that in a few years Great B — — n will
not be able to compel our submission. Whereas, if they
treat us as brethren and friends, it will be the interest, and
the inclination of the Colonists, to be united with their
parent country, even though they were ten times as big as
they are.

The Colonies, if disunited from Great Britain, must un-
dergo great convulsions before they would be settled on a
tirm basis. Colony would be against Colony, and there
would be in every one furious internal contests for power.
We had a specimen of the former the last year, when the
people on the borders of New York and the Massachusetts,
(which Provinces have no great affection for each other,)
contended even to blood about boundaries. I hope this
dispute will be amicably settled. The latter we have seen
something of in Rhode Island, where they elect their own
Governor. They are divided into furious parties ; they
bribe, they quarrel, they hardly keep from blows. The
parties are so nearly equal, that they change Governors and

Letters from Andrew Eliot to TkomctS II oil is. 121

Magistrates almost every year. If things are so bad in that
tittle government, what would they be in greater. I hope
not to live to see the American British Colonies discon-
nected from Great Britain*, But whatever changes there

may be, I shall always remain, with the sincerest gratitude
and respect,

Dear Sir, your very obliged friend and humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

In my last I mentioned four boxes of books that came
in Capt. Scott, — I perceive since, that two came in Capt.
Calef.

Dr. Chauncy's Answer to the Bishop is out. I believe,
when you have read it, you will not think it necessary to
publish the hasty remarks I have sent, upon the Archbish-
op's sermon. However, they are in your bands ; you may
do witb them what you think best. I designed them for
the public prints, and therefore aimed at conciseness. It
would not have been taken well, if I had published them
here, just at this time. If there is a good opportunity, it
may be done hereafter.

The clergyman who had the diploma from Oxford, was
Mr. Fayerweather, missionary at Xarragansett, in Rhode
Island government — almost the only place in Xew T England
where I can excuse the Society's sending a missionary — and
he is as poor a one as they could well send.

Boston, N. E., Jan. 5, 1768.
Dear Sir,

I have written so often of late, that I fear I shall
become quite troublesome. The affair of a Colony Bishop,
seems to be coming very soon to a crisis. I send you an
artful pamphlet, which I have just received from New
York. It has gone through the hands, it is supposed, of
all the missionaries, so that you have the whole strength
of the party. And from many circumstances, it is con-
cluded, that Leviathan himself has given it some gentle
touches. I very much suspect he wrote some parts himself.

422 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

You will see by this pamphlet, how we are cajoled. A
Colony Bishop is to be a more innocent creature than ever
a Bishop was, since Diocesan Bishops were introduced to
lord it over God's heritage — and the effects of his coming
to America, are to be everything that is good. Can the
A-b-p, and his tools, think to impose on the Colonists by
these artful representations. I expect this book will be
reprinted with you, before this can have reached you.
The people of New England are greatly alarmed ; the
arrival of a Bishop would raise them as much as any one
thing. I hope an answer will be written to the southward.
I expect one from among ourselves. I am not certain by
whom. Dr. Chauncy is directly attacked ; if he does not
choose to write, another person will. I beg, dear Sir,
nothing may be neglected on your side the Atlantic, to
prevent the threatened evil. Our General Court is now
sitting. I have hinted to some of the members, that it
will be proper for them to express their fears of the setting
up an hierarchy here. I am well assured a motion will be
made to this purpose. Our Assembly is greatly warmed
with the late Acts of Parliament. I wish some hot spirits
do not break out into a name and produce a general con-
flagration. There are men with you, and men with us,
who regard no consequences, if they can but gratify their
passions. I may be mistaken, but I am persuaded the dis-
pute between Great Britain and her Colonies will never be
amicably settled. It might easily, if both were wise, and
would set down where they are, with a uti possidetis. But
I expect the Parliament will proceed further, and God
knows what will be the event. I sent you a few hasty
remarks on the A-b-p's sermon. I have since looked
more carefully into it, and find other passages full as ex-
ceptionable as those I have remarked upon, which I shall
give you my thoughts upon. I write for your amusement
and my own, rather than from any thought that these
remarks will be worthy the public notice. Something,
however, I shall put into the prints.

I am more and more convinced of the meanness, art — if
he was not in so high a station, I should say, falsehood — of
that Arch-Pr-1-te. I am too much provoked to say more.
I do not expect you to answer all my scrawls ; it will be

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis. 128

enough if you let me know you have received them, and
are not displeased with the frequent intrusions of,

Sir, your very obliged friend unci humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

Boston, N. E., April 18, 1768.

Dear Sir,

I received, by Capt. Jenkyns, your agreeable letter of

December 18, with the very kind present accompanying it;
and by the same conveyance, a note dated December 26,
with a receipt for the above parcel. I am exceedingly
obliged to you for this repeated instance of generosity and
affection.

The Anti-Confessionalists seem determined to overcome
the good Archdeacon with numbers, since they cannot any
other way. They gather upon him like enraged wasps,
whose quiet has been disturbed. But, thanks to Heaven,
they have lost their sting. If the clergy had now, as for-
merly, the command of the civil arm, that excellent man
would soon feel the weight of their resentment; possibly
their impotence makes them the more outrageous. I re-
joice that there are any who dare to come to his help,
against spiritual wickednesses in high places. It must
give him great satisfaction to find such worthy seconds. I
shall wait, with impatience, for the A-d-n's own appear-
ance. I hope he will write at large, and fully expose his
adversaries. They will melt like wax before the sun.

I received your commission concerning the New-England
coin, with the greatest pleasure, but am greatly disap-
pointed in the execution of it. I can find no one who hath
ever heard of Massachusetts in pourtraiture of the good
Samaritan. I believe it must have been a medal struck
on some particular occasion. The sixpence and the penny,
some tell me they have seen ; but I cannot at present pro-
cure them. If they are in New England, 1 shall have
them.

Our silversmiths are so careless that they melt up all the
Did pieces of silver that come into their hands. They tell

424: Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

me of many curious pieces which they have destroyed in
this manner. I rescued a crown piece of Edward VI.,
which, though something worn, has all the figures and
letters visible, date 1551 — as also a fine medal of George I.,
struck on occasion of Sir George Byng's victory over the
Spaniards in the Mediterranean, anno 1718. This medal
is quite fresh. So unknowing am I in things of this na-
ture, that I know not whether these are any curiosity on
your side the water or not. I have also all the other New
England coin ; they are all scarce, except the pine-tree
shillings and sixpences, which are plenty. I have several
two-pence and three-pence, very well preserved. I have
no use for any of these ; if they will be agreeable to you,
or your friends, they are entirely at your service. I beg,
dear Sir, you would command me with the greatest free-
dom. No commission from you can give me any trouble.
It would be one of the highest pleasures I can have in life,
to be able to oblige you. There are New England shillings
of four or five different dies, which are common.

The subject of New England coins brings to mind an
anecdote 1 have often heard of Sir Thomas Temple, brother
to Sir William Temple, which I suppose to be true. That
gentleman resided several years in New England, in the
time of the interregnum ; after the restoration he returned
to England ; the King sent for him and conversed with him
concerning the state of affairs in the Massachusetts, and
discovered great warmth against that Colony. Among other
things, he said they had invaded his prerogative, by coining
money. Sir Thomas, who was a real friend to the Colony,
endeavored to soften His Majesty. He told him the people
had but little acquaintance with law, that they had no bad
design, and thought it was no crime to make money for
their own use. In the course of the conversation, he took
some of the money out of his pocket, and gave it to His
Majesty. One kind of the pines, is a good deal thick and
bushy. The King inquired what tree that was. Sir
Thomas, artfully taking hold of that circumstance, informed
His Majesty it was the Royal Oak. The Massachusetts
people, says he, did not dare to put your Majesty's name
on their coin, and so put the oak which preserved your life.
The King was put into a fit of good humor, said they were

Letters from Andrew "Eliot to Thomas Hollis. 425

a parcel of honest d— gs, and was disposed to hear favorable
things of them.

I formerly wrote you that the people in Now England
would submit to the new burthens laid upon them. 1
thought so at that time ; 1 have different sentiments now.
The Commissioners are objects of the public odium. Rep-
resentations are made 4 by our Assembly against the new
taxes. If these do not succeed, I tear very disagreeable
consequences. Things are hastening last to a crisis. What
will be the event, God knows. If there is any prudence in
those who hold the reins on your side the water, they will
be very careful not to drive matters to extremity.

A piece was published in one of the papers, which was
supposed to reflect on the Governor. Few approved of it.
But perhaps the wisest method had been to have treated it
with neglect. The Governor thought otherwise, and laid
it before the General Assembly, who were then sitting.
You will see by the prints, that the two Houses were of
very different sentiments. The Governor treated them very
differently in his last speech. The Superior Court sat
directly. It was given in charge to the Grand Jury to pre-
sent the piece as a libel ; they could not find a bill, and so
the matter rests ; several counsellors arc threatened at the
next election. I am no friend to licentiousness ; but the
liberty of the press must be preserved sacred, or all is
over !

By Capt. Cazneau, I had the honor of sending you Dr.
Chandler's Appeal to the Public. I now send you, my
worthy friend Dr. Chauncy's answer, which I believe you
will think solidly done. He would, perhaps, have written
with more spirit before he was so far advanced in life. I
take the liberty to inclose a copy of the same for worthy
Dr. Harris. I wrote to the Doctor and the excellent Arch-
deacon by Capt. Cazneau.

The Episcopalian controversy at present engrosses the
attention of the public. The papers at New York and
Philadelphia are rilled with it. So much the better. The
ministry will see that a Colony Bishop will not be easily
introduced. I suppose Dr. Chandler's artful performance
was designed to feel the pulse of the people. I have put
up a sermon by a worthy minister in the country, by which
4th s. — vol. iv. 5 1

426 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Ilollis.

you will see something of the spirit which is raised against
the Episcopal party through the Province.

The President informs me he has a receipt for a box of
books which you have been so good as to send to the Col-
lege. The box is not yet sent to College ; when it is, you
will hear from that good gentleman.

The vessel by which I hope to send this, is like to sail
sooner than I expected. I have time only to add, that I
am, with the greatest respect,

Your obliged friend and humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

I forgot to mention that Mrs. Mayhew has lately buried
her father, in an advanced age.

Boston, Sept 27, 1768. 1
Dear Sir,

I received yours by Capt. Bruce, the 24th instant,
together with your very agreeable present, for which I
heartily thank you.

The Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law was not
written by the late Mr. Gridley. I have been privately but

1 The following- memorandum appears in Dr. Eliot's handwriting :

Massachusetts Gazette, June 23, contains a very extraordinary Circular Letter
from L : Hillsborough. It came from Rhode Island to us. It is very diverting to
hear R— de Island commended for their " reverence for the laws." No one Col-
ony hath taken such liberties as they have from their beginning ; but the scheme
was to soothe the other Colonies, that Massachusetts might be alone. How it
succeeded, the letters from the Colonies will show. That from Virginia is excel-
lent ; one can scarce conceive a more innocent letter than that which Lord
Hillsboro' so highly censures.

July 7, contains the Governor's Message to the House, with Lord Hillsboro's
Letter to him, requiring the House to rescind resolutions which had been passed
by a former House, and which must already have had all the effect they could
have ! This paper also contains the proceedings of the House. Six of the towns
whose members voted for rescinding, have disapproved of their conduct, and
voted thanks to the ninety-two anti-rescinders. These towns are marked in the
list of the seventeen. The glorious ninety-two is the reigning toast. No meas-
ure could have been more impolitic than this of Lord Hillsboro's. I was fearful
that the other colonies would blame Boston, for so open opposition to the laws of
trade, and leave us to bear the weight of ministerial vengeance. But this letter,
and the consequent dissolution, has taught them that it was a common cause, and
has effectually united them. A. E.

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis. T27

authentically informed that the author was Mr. Adams,

(not our Representative, who penned the address to the
King, and the letters contained iii the first part of the col-
lection, but) a young gentleman of the law, who hath lately
removed from the country into Boston, and is likely to
make a shining figure at the bar.

The parcel you have intrusted to me for the College, I
shall carry thither in a few days. I fear you have not
heard from the President of the receipt of some of your
last benefactions to that society. That good gentleman
hath been extremely ill, and continues yet very weak. I
shall make inquiry of him at the next corporation meeting,
which will be this week.

Capt. Deverson did not arrive till some days after Capt.
Bruce, so that I have not received your favor by him.
When your letter, of which you arc so good as to inform
me, comes to hand, I sliall soon make my acknowledgments.

Things are far from being in that happy state in which
you, and all friends to Great Britain and her Colonics, wish
them to be. You will see, by the papers, something of the
confusion we are in. But you cannot well conceive of our
distress. We expect every hour two regiments from Hal-
ifax. The Governor warmly insists that one should be
quartered in the Town. The Council are determined to
keep them both at the castle. The latter, you easily per-
ceive, will not answer the end for which it is supposed they
are sent, which is to introduce the Commissioners into the
Town, who are yet at the castle. Both the Governor and
the Council arc high. We expect two other regiments
from Ireland. What will be the event, God knows. If
the Commissioners should return to Town, it seems to mc
they will be in a very uneasy situation, much worse than
they were before they left it. They are so much the objects
of popular odium, that they will be in actual danger if
they go without their guards.

At present, people do not seem disposed to resist the
troops, but their tempers are in such a ferment, that they
may easily be pushed on to the most desperate measures ;
and if the troops attempt to quarter in the Town, I greatly
fear the consequence. I hope the commanding officer will
conduct with prudence and caution.

428 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

To have a standing army ! Good God ! what can be
worse to a people who have tasted the sweets of liberty !
Things are come to an unhappy crisis ; there will never be
that harmony between Great Britain and her Colonies, that
there hath been ; all confidence is at an end ; and the mo-
ment there is any blood shed, all affection will cease.

The Committees from the several Towns are now met in
convention, between 80 and 90. I know not how this
step will be approved on your side the water. Their
chairman (Mr. Cushing) assures me their determinations
will be moderate, and their session short ; and that they
will not attempt any acts of government. But if the
troops arrive before they break up, I will not be bound for
their moderation. The people have, at present, great con-
fidence in them. A gentleman well acquainted with the
secrets of the times, just now informed me, that there
were three parties in the convention. One, who were
fearful of the legality of their proceedings, and would
gladly break up without doing any thing. Another party
would willingly leave the people to themselves, and not
lay any restraints upon them. A third desire to sit till
the troops come, and to take the direction of affairs into
their own hands. Which party will prevail is uncertain.

I just returned from a journey into the country. I find
the people through this Province, are ripe for almost any
thing. But how it is with other Provinces, I cannot say.
They write well, but do nothing. I fear we must stand
the brunt of ministerial vengeance, unless there is some
great change at home. What can we do ! Tamely to
give up our rights, and to suffer ourselves to be taxed at
the will of persons at such a distance, and to be under
military government, is to consent to be slaves, and to
bring upon us the curses of all posterity ; and yet how
unable to cope with Great Britain ! How dreadful the
thought of a contest with the parent country, in whose
calamities we have always borne a part, and in whose
peace we have enjoyed peace. Whatever distresses come,
we shall not suffer alone ; whatever evils come on the
Colonies, Great Britain will sensibly feel ; and our increase
is so great, that time will be, when we shall be free.
How impolitic to precipitate a disunion !

Letters fiot/i Andrew "Eliot to Thomas Ilol/is. 429

Our hopes are great from the agreement not to import
goods. No measure would have more important effects, if
we had virtue to stand to it; but I four it will be broke
through. En short, dear Sir, we have every thing to fear,

and scarce any room to hope but in the power and good-
ness of the almighty Governor of the world. Days of

fasting and prayer arc 4 appointed in many towns, and will
be general. I am sure this will put you in mind of 1611.
What news 1 shall write you next, Ciod knows; hearing
of a vessel just ready to sail, I snatched a few moments to
give you this sketch of our public affairs, and to assure
that 1 am, with the greatest gratitude and esteem,

Dear Sir, your obedient, humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.
To Thomas Hollis, Esq.

Boston, N. E., Oct 17, 1768.
Dear Sir,

Your kind and excellent letter, dated May 25, 1768,
I received by Capt. Dcverson, and am extremely obliged
to you for the very valuable present which accompanied it.
The books you have enriched me with, are all curious ;
many of them are excellently adapted to the present state
of this country. I shall not fail to put them into the
hands of those who will knoAv how to make a proper use
of them. Our connoisseurs are vastly pleased with the
fine representation of William Tell, who laid the founda-
tion of the liberties of Switzerland. Such a man deserves
the highest honors through all generations ! How much
greater a character to be the saviour of mankind, than to
be their tyrant and oppressor ! I am also obliged to you
for the print of the late excellent Dr. Mayhew. This, and
the print of yourself, are finely designed ; but I am not
quite master of all the decorations.

The incomparable Arch-Deacon holds out, with surpris-
ing firmness and ability. The high-flying clergy arc terri-
bly alarmed. They unite in their opposition to The Con-
fessional, as if the church was in the greatest danger ; but

430 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

they are extremely various in their method of attacking
that truly excellent performance. If I was to judge by
the zeal and assiduity of the friends of the hierarchy, I
should hope that book was like to have some great effects ;
but I fear the reformation of the Church of England is a
thing to be wished for, rather than expected.

We are greatly obliged to Mr. Fleming for his learned
and judicious answer to Dr. Chandler's Appeal. That
venerable, good man, deserves the thanks of every friend
to truth, to virtue, to liberty, for his steady adherence to
the glorious cause and his constant endeavors to promote
it, at a time of life when almost any other man would
desire to rest from his labors.

I find you are still determined to retire. I heartily con-
gratulate you, that you have been able to carry your plan
into execution — a plan so benevolently laid, so wisely and
steadily pursued, that it will afford you the most agreeable
reflections throughout life, which I pray God may be long,
and as easy and happy to yourself, as it will be useful to
others.

Your hint concerning an Agent is wise and important.
It is exceeding difficult to persuade people to see and pur-
sue their own true interest. I have been always of the
opinion that if Mr. B — 11 — n had been continued in his
agency, many of the disputes we have had with Great
Britain, and which it is probable we shall have, would
have been prevented. He was perfectly acquainted with
our affairs, would have been able to convince the ministry
of the impolicy of their measures, if they were at all open
to conviction, and would have taught his constituents here
to conduct with caution and prudence, which certainly are
not inconsistent with a firm adherence to our rights. I
freely spake against that gentleman's dismission as an im-
prudent step ; now it is too late ; others see and own it to
be so. The Speaker of the late House of Representatives
hath told me more than once, that he heartily wished they
had taken my advice. Party views influenced them, as
they generally do. We have no General Assembly, and
no one can tell when we shall have. I fear whether any
Agent we could now choose, would be able to serve us.
Jacta est alea : We must wait the event.

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis. 431

The new College to be erected in Rhode Island Colony

will be, I suppose, about sixty miles from Cambridge. It
was at first designed to be on a catholic plan, and all de-
nominations united to promote it. It was supposed Mr.
Condy, a Baptist minister of great candor, learning and in-
genuity, would be the first President. He would have been
an honor to that or any other seminary. Mr. Condy did
not approve the alteration that was made in the plan and
in the charter, lie desired the College might he on a
broad bottom ; and that the direction of it might not be
qonfined to any particular denomination, as it now is too
much. This excellent man (Mr. Condy) is lately deceased,
lie was a truly good man, a warm friend to both religious
and civil liberty. As I lived in a happy intimacy with him,
I have often heard him lament, that things were not order-
ed with respect to that College as he hoped they would
have been. When he saw that he could do no good, he
silently withdrew, as did all the Presbyterian or Congrega-
tional ministers, who had been nominated to be Trustees.
One Mr. Manning was elected President. I do not mention
these things, to raise any prejudice against this new sem-
inary. Your observation is quite just and weighty : " If
youth arc but fairly grounded in learning, the best of them
will make out their way to purest knowledge and truth."
Besides, a Baptist College may answer some particular,
valuable ends. Those of that denomination among us, have
generally decried human learning, as they term it. And
though they have had some men of eminence in the learned
world, yet their teachers have generally been illiterate men.

This College, the charter of which is so favorable to that
i denomination, may possibly remove their prejudices against
learning. They will be more likely to send their children
to this seminary than to Cambridge, although the educa-
tion there is quite free.

I heartily rejoice to hear the scheme of cpiscopizing
America, is not likely to succeed. Some things have been
written on this side the water, as if w r e would be content
with a Bishop who had only the powers of ordination.
For my own part, I dread a Bishop of the Church of Eng-
land, in any shape. If such a creature comes among us,
pretences will not be wanting to enlarge his power ; and

432 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

no one here believes the Episcopalians, when they tell us,
this power of ordination is all they desire. The death of
the Archbishop occasions no lamentations here, except
among the high-church party. I hope in God the place
will be filled with a person of more candor, and one who
will not be so eternally contriving to advance the hierarchy ;
one who will improve his power and influence, to reform
a church which, if it is not declining in wealth and gran-
deur, is evidently declining in piety and virtue — and not
one, who, like the last, will set himself to oppose every
thing that looks like alteration or reformation.

The inquiry concerning the Papists has turned out much
as I feared it would. No wonder they grow more insolent.
They are not ashamed, neither do they blush, to fry in the
face of all history, and to assert the most infamous false-
hoods.

I wish, dear Sir, it was in my power to give a more
comfortable account of our public affairs. They are in an
unhappy state. Two regiments are landed in Boston. The
commander refuses to go to the castle, where there are
barracks — eight or ten ships of war lie before the Town.
When the troops landed, there was no opposition. Two
more regiments are expected from Ireland; if they are
quartered in Town, it will be a perfect garrison. The Con-
vention, of which I wrote you in my last, broke up very
harmlessly. There is no more talk of resistance. The
present disposition is to treat them, the troops, with civility,
but to provide nothing. All is at present quiet ; but there
is a general gloom and uneasiness. The soldiers begin to
desert — no one will betray them — about forty are gone
already. We are threatened with further marks of minis-
terial anger. I know not what is designed ; but am of
opinion Great Britain will sooner or later repent her
mistaken policy. Every thing hath not been conducted
here with that prudence it might have been. But we are
hardly treated, and the people feel it. The Commissioners
are still at the castle. It is supposed they will soon return
to Town. This will occasion great uneasiness, but no
violence. The troops make all quiet.

I am extremely sorry I did not know sooner of your
connection with Mr. Birch ; the least intimation at his first

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis. 433

coming, would have procured him a very different reception,
and have introduced him into an acquaintance that would

have made his situation much more agreeable. I have
never seen him, but have heard him spoken of with great
respect by some who have been conversant with him. I
believe his character stands fairer than most of the other
Commissioners. At present there is no possibility of treat-
ing him as I should be glad to do. When he comes to
Town I shall watch every opportunity to serve him.

We are told, that Dr. Chandler is preparing an Answer
to Dr. Chauncy. Whoever writes, we shall have the whole
strength of the party.

The Centinel is a very sensible paper, written at Phila-
delphia against Dr. Chandler, by one Mr. Bryant, as I
was lately informed by a minister from that city. Some
say Mr. Dickinson assists.

The good President hath been ill some months, and re-
mains in a very feeble state. His death would greatly
embarrass us. The place is important. Some upon whom
the eyes of the people are fixed, will not be willing to
undertake the charge, or their parishes will not consent
to their removal. It will be very difficult to fill the place
to satisfaction.

General Gage arrived at Boston from New York, the
15th instant. The Governor has summoned the Coun-
cillors from all parts of the Province, to meet the 19th,
when it is supposed he will open his wdrole budget from
Lord Hillsborough, which he intimates contains matters
of very great importance. People wait with anxious ex-
pectation. The Governor, we are told, is soon to go from
us. He hath but few friends ; most suppose that he is, in
a great measure, the author of our difficulties. Whether
there is real ground for this prejudice, I cannot tell, but
am persuaded he hath been more minute in his representa-
tions home, than was any way necessary, and that many
things have been noticed, which might very well have been
passed over. It is said Lieut. Governor Hutchinson is to
succeed as Governor in chief. I cannot say I wish it for
his sake. He is, I believe, a sincere friend to his country;
but in the present situation of things, it will not always
be easy to determine what is right and best. A Governor
4th s. — vol. iv. 55

434 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

must obey orders from home, however disagreeable to the
people, or even to himself; and it will be quite impossible
to give satisfaction on both sides the water.

I have now authority to inform you that the Dissertation
on the canon and feudal law, was written by John Adams,
Esq., a young gentleman of the law, who lately removed
from the country into Boston. As I have the pleasure of
an acquaintance with this gentleman, I presented him one
of the copies you was so good as to send me, and let him
know how favorably it was received in Great Britain. He
also wrote the piece signed, Sui Juris ; but though he
seemed in that to promise more, he has not written any
thing further. He has large practice, and I am mistaken
if he will not soon be at the head of his profession. This
information is not designed to be kept secret.

The academical honor you mention was a thing I
neither sought nor desired. I have a less opinion of it
than ever, since I found by the Arch-Deacon's last book,
that he writes only M. A. That incomparable man de-
serves the greatest honors this world can afford. He is as
much superior to them, as he is unlikely to receive them,
in a church where a mean servility to superiors, and a
bigoted zeal against all reformation, are almost the only
merit.

I am very sorry the persons to whom I committed my
letters have proved unfaithful. They have always given
me the strongest assurances of care and prudence. I hope,
under the present direction, the conveyance will be easy
and safe.

I am, dear Sir, your obliged friend and obedient servant,

Andrew Eliot.
Thomas Hollis, Esq., London.

Boston, Jan. 29, 1769.
Dear Sir,

By reason of the President's illness, your kind letter
of July 1, with the pamphlets which accompanied it, did
not come to hand for some considerable time after Capt.

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas IIo/l

IS.

Deverson's arrival. Thai good gentleman is better, but
still very feeble.

Mr. Howe, who writes in the Episcopal controversy, with
which yon was so good as to favor me, is a sensible spir-
ited writer, and has given a just castigation to a little nar-
row bigot, who foolishly exposed himself. The person who
last took up the cause, appears to have some reading, but
is excessively dull. 1 hope Mr. Howe will again take up
his pen, which he knows so well how to use.

Among the many valuable books with which you favored
mo the last summer, I am particularly obliged to you for
the excellent Arch-Deacon's Considerations, and Mr. Iler-
port'a on Oaths. Nothing could be better calculated to
give a just view of Popery, and the danger of its prev-
alence, than the A-D-N's book. It is clear, sensible, judi-
cious, and at the same time concise, and would alarm those
who have the guidance of affairs, if they had any concern
about the true interest of the nation. The Bishops, where
are they? Would it not be of advantage to have some
intelligent persons constantly employed to find out and
counterwork Popish agents \ If they want money for
such a purpose, they might borrow of the Propagating
Society, who certainly cannot find a good use for theirs,
or they would not dissipate it so shamefully as they do.
When I find how admirably the A-D-N is employed, I do
not wonder that I have not heard from him for a long
time. I hope I shall not wholly lose a correspondence
which does me so much honor.

Mr. Herport's book is upon a most interesting and im-
portant subject. The venerable author has not only said
many things that are well worthy the attention of every
state where oaths are imposed, but he has expressed him-
self with the greatest decency and solemnity. What de-
mon possessed the magistrates of Berne ! They ought
rather, if 1 may borrow your significant expression, to
(have crowned) '" crown him with oak leaves" or to have
made the remainder of life easy to the good old gentleman
by an honorable pension — instead of this, they have per-
secuted him to death. Cursed be their anger, for it was
fierce ; and their wrath, for it was cruel ! None deserve
contempt and detestation more than intolerant magistrates,

436 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

men who try to suppress all free inquiry. What a miser-
able place would this world be, if such as these bore a
universal sway. Honest Mr. Herport, one would have
thought, had said enough to have satisfied any one, of
whom the lust of domination had not taken full possess-
ion, p 209. Every man has a right to speak his mind. I
would not have burnt the book for that unhappy passage,
but I sincerely wish the author had himself expunged it.
Not long before I received this book, I had been reading
honest General Ludlow's account of the generous protec-
tion afforded him by the magistrates of Berne, and felt a
secret pleasure in the thought that there was such a land
of liberty to be an asylum to patriots and virtue in dis-
tress. But it seems the state of things is changed infi-
nitely for the worse — their true glory is departed. I hope
the world will be favored with a more complete account of
the extraordinary proceedings against this martyr in the
cause of truth and virtue.

The Episcopal controversy makes but little noise in our
Province ; indeed, if we write, we are not likely to have
any antagonists among us worthy notice. Our mission-
aries are not able to make any tolerable figure. At New
York it is otherwise. I send you some papers written
there against Dr. Chandlers Appeal. Some of them, I be-
lieve, will not be unacceptable. They are not all written
with equal spirit. Mr. Livingston and Mr. Scott, both
gentlemen of the bar, are supposed to be the principal
authors. Dr. Chandler purposes an answer to Dr. Chaun-
cy ; he takes time enough to do his best, and perhaps to
consult his superiors. The Episcopalians at New York
have taken every low method to blacken Dr. Chauncy.
His character is too well established to be injured by their
malicious attempts. If our Episcopalians should begin to
stir, they would soon be taken down. I am glad my
friend Mr. Adams's Sermons proved agreeable. The law
fixing grammar schools in every Town, you justly esteem
a prime law. By means of it the seeds of knowledge are
scattered through the land. Scarce any are to be found
among us, even in the obscurest parts, who are not able to
read and write with some tolerable propriety. And it is
besides a happy provision for our young gentlemen, when

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas 1 To 1/ is. 4^7

they leave college, and prevents their hurrying into the
learned professions, as they must otherwise do for a sub-
sistence. Some sordid, niggardly souls, enemies to all
learning, of which there 1 arc 1 always enough in our General
Assembly, have ever looked upon this Law with envy, and
have desired to get it repealed. We were alarmed when a
considerable Town instructed their representative to move
for a repeal. The ministers openly appeared in defence of
it. Having occasion to preach before a number of the
representatives, on one of our public Thanksgivings, I en-
deavored to show the advantage of this Law. Hie Sermon
was desired for the press. 1 have an aversion to such pub-
lications ; however, should have yielded, if it had been
necessary. But by conversing with some of the leading
members of the Assembly, we so effectually secured our
cause, that a motion was never made ; and there is no dan-
ger, at present, that it will meet with success, if it should
be made hereafter. 1 have sent you a sermon of the late
Dr. Colman, in which you will see what a superiority he
supposes this law gives us over the parent kingdom ; you
will find the passage p. 11, 12. There is nothing else
remarkable in the sermon. The person ordained is a wor-
thy, ingenious, learned man.

I have made diligent inquiry concerning Mr. Cotton's
Abstract of Laws and Government, and have found one
copy in Mr. Mather's library, bound up with some other
pamphlets, which has exactly the title you have transcribed.
I have formerly seen a MS. in Mr. Cotton's hand-writing,
which I believe was a first draught of this. It was cor-
rected by our excellent Governor Winthrop, who wisely
erased many sanguinary passages. This copy was in the
possession of the Lieutenant Governor, but I fear was lost,
with many other valuable papers, in the unhappy catastro-
phe of his house.

There is no remarkable alteration in our public affairs.
We have four regiments and part of a fifth. One regiment
is at the castle, the rest are in this Town. The soldiers
are in raptures at the cheapness of spirituous liquors among
us ; and in some of their drunken hours, have been inso-
lent to some of the inhabitants ; but in general the Tow 7 n
is surprisingly quiet. The discipline is so shockingly

438 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

severe, that the common men are afraid to offer the least
insult. The officers are most troublesome, who, many of
them, are as intemperate as the men. Col. Pomroy, the
present commander of the troops, and Commodore Hood,
of the ships, have the character of prudent, discreet men.
But upon the whole, the people are very uneasy with the
company of these armed men. There is, however, no dis-
position to oppose them. We are still deprived of a Gen-
eral Assembly, and have no expectation of having one until
the General Election in May.

The Council you will see, by their late proceedings, have
changed their note. It is by no means a well constituted
body, chosen annually by the representatives and hy them-
selves ! subject to a negative from the King's Governor.
Sometimes they are intimidated by the House of Represen-
tatives. At other times they are under the awe of a nega-
tive. This precarious situation makes their conduct fickle,
uncertain and inconsistent. At one time this motive pre-
ponderates ; at another, that. A few years since, when
some interesting point was depending, the Council were
menaced by the Governor on one hand, and the House on
the other. An honest old Councillor broke out in that
homely language, " In short, we are like a turnip, squeezed
between two trenchers." Besides, they often hold places,
or have expectations for themselves and their friends, which
renders them still more dependent. At present there are
but few men of abilities among them. One or two chang-
ing sides, the rest follow. I speak freely to you, Sir, because
I know I speak safely. The papers they have lately com-
posed, are said to be written by Mr. Bowdoin, a gentleman
of learning, integrity and fortune. At present the Board is
under his influence. I wish they may never be under a
worse direction. Bad as the constitution of the Council is,
if they are appointed from home, it will be still worse — we
shall have strangers, crown officers, pensioners, court depend-
ents, and what not I

Lord Hillsborough's Letter to the other Colonies, has
had a very different effect from what the ministry proposed.
They have one and all, who are not under military govern-
ment, sent respectful answers to the Massachusetts Letter,
and have united in their petitions and remonstrances home.

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas I In/ /is. 439

The ministry could not possibly have contrived a more
effectual method to unite tin 4 Colonics, than the writing
that Circular Letter. The several Assemblies see it is now
a common caihc and nothing will prevail with them to

rescind or to give up any of their rights. The second

resolve of New York is higher than anything that has
passed in the Massachusetts Assembly.

We lane just had the King's speech, and the echo of the
Lords and Commons. They are exceeding high against

this Town and Province. What can the ministry propose
farther I We have troops. We do not resist them. The
duties, unreasonable as we think them, arc paid without
opposition. Perhaps the Town has not in every thing
acted with that prudence that might be wished ; but what
could be expected from a people struggling for liberty and
made almost desperate by the measures taken with them.
I will not say we have none among us of malevolent dis-
positions, but, in general, I believe the King has not more
loyal subjects in any part of his dominions. The letters
from Great Britain give us very different, contrary repre-
sentations of the disposition of the Parliament, and of the
people on your side the w T ater — w r e scarce know w 7 hat to
believe. Our Agent writes smooth things to us, but I have
long thought that good old gentleman knew very little of
the matter. The alienation between Great Britain and her
Colonies, seems to be increasing fast ; can this be for the
advantage of either \ A wise ministry, methinks, would
endeavor to contrive some lenient healing measures. Only
let us be put in the situation we were before the unhappy
Stamp Act, and I hope all will be well, though I must ow T n
my opinion is the Colonies will never be so easily managed
as they were before that fatal aera. We are told the
Parliament will offer us a share in the representative body.
Will they incorporate us, and allow a free trade, as they
allowed Scotland I If they do, they will soon lose the
trade of the Colonies, who can purchase much cheaper
elsewdiere. If they do not, we shall not think we are
upon an equitable footing. In short, our local circumstan-
ces render a representation impracticable, and there are
very few in this or any of the Colonies that would accept
it, or would not think it better to submit to the acts of

440 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

which we complain, than agree to such a compromise.
Could we find men to represent us, of such virtue that they
could not be seduced, or of such abilities that they could
not be deceived, (which in the present state of human
nature is too much to expect,) yet what a small proportion
would they bear in a British House of Commons. The
most, by far, would be unacquainted with our circumstan-
ces, and could not feel our grievances ; and as they would
then claim an unlimited right to tax us, might think to
recommend themselves to their constituents by laying bur-
thens on the Colonies, [though in truth Great Britain will
not be the better for any monies raised from us. They will
certainly lose it all in their commerce, and instead of easing
the nation, it would be disposed of to some hungry depend-
ents or ministerial tools. How little is Great Britain served
by the large sums given away in pensions from the revenue
in Ireland.] Besides, what confusion would it introduce to
have a representation in Parliament, and at the same time
have Assemblies of our own X What uncertainty about
the power of the one and the rights of the other ! What
a clashing of measures ! while the poor Colonists must be
under the control of both, and be liable to have their
money taken away by both. But I fear I trouble you too
much with these matters. The situation of my country,
and the present aspect of things, lies near my heart — and
I write with the utmost freedom to you who have such just
sentiments of liberty, and so entire an abhorrence of tyranny
and oppression, in whatever form it appears, and of every
invasion of the rights of mankind.

Before I finish this long epistle, I beg leave to return
you my sincerest thanks for your very obliging letter, and
present, by Capt. Scott, which I have just received. Gov-
ernor Pownal's book is curious, and contains many valuable
thoughts. No man has had greater advantages to know
the state of the Colonies than that gentleman. What his
present views are, it is hard to say. Whether, as you hint,
" the being sent as Mentor to a young Personage of very
high rank ;" or to be one of our Eepresentatives, if that
scheme should take ; or if it should not, to be employed as
Agent for this Province, or rather as General Agent for all
the Provinces. Certain it is, that he is carrying on a secret

Letters from Andrew Elidt to Thomas I loll is. I n

correspondence with some leading men in tliis Province,
and I am told in the other Colonies. We ought to be sat-
isfied of tin 4 integrity, as well as abilities, of those whom
we trust with our interest; an ambitious, crafty, designing
man, would only carry us to market, and make the best
bargain he could for himself.

It" you should hate occasion to write to Dr. Harris, be so
good as to lot him know 1 have received his kind present,
and shall soon answer his obliging letter.

I have sent the parcel to Cambridge, which you put
under my care for Harvard College. All your generous
donations to that society, mentioned in yours of Nov. 1,
1768, have been received, and acknowledgments made by
the corporation. The President is very forgetful. I im-
mediately gave notice to him of the omission. You have
in this parcel a letter from him, which I conclude will con-
tain the good gentleman's apology.

I must ask your pardon for detaining you so long, and
am, with the sincerest gratitude and affection, your obliged
friend, and humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

Boston, July 10, 17G9.
Dear Sir,

Our good President was taken from us the first of
June, in the eightieth year of his age and thirty-second of
his Presidentship. I am at a loss who will be his success-
or — probably it will be Mr. Winthrop, Hollis Professor of
Mathematics. His learning and abilities are unquestion-
able. He is older than we should choose, and is frequently
taken off from business by bodily infirmities ; but it is
difficult to find one every way qualified, and who would be
willing to undertake such a trust.

The inclosed vote ought to have been transmitted sooner;
the President's ill state of health prevented. [For books
sent by Capt. Scott, to the care of Rev. Dr. Eliot.] 1

The state of our public affairs is still uncomfortable ;

1 Note by Hollis.
4th s. — vol. iv. 5fi

442 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

the ministry act a very weak, impolitic part ; they keep the
Colonies in a ferment, and the nation gains nothing. I
have sometimes given offence by opposing some measures
among us which I thought rash ; but I begin to think I
have been mistaken. Every step the ministry takes, serves
to justify our warmest measures — and it is now plain that
if they had not had their hands full at home, they would have
crushed the Colonies ; and that if we had not been vigor-
ous in our opposition, we had lost all. I fear nothing is to

be expected from the justice or equity of P 1. The

treatment of the Colonies on your side the water, tends
greatly to alienate them from the parent country, and to
hasten that independency which at present the warmest
among us deprecate. Things will not be settled till we
have an American bill of rights.

Governor Bernard is just leaving us. I wish he had
taken his departure years ago. Though he is going, our
House of Representatives have petitioned the King to re-
move him. In their petition, I am told, they have treated
him with great freedom. His conduct deserves it. I send
you a copy of his letters and the proceedings of the Coun-
cil, so far as they are printed — they are as yet private
among us. I procured them by Mr. Adams's interest.

Two of our four regiments are gone to Halifax. We
are encouraged to hope for the removal of all. It is not
easy to divine what they came for. I send in the papers,
the Messages of the Governor and the Answers of the
House, and such other publications as we have. Dr.
Chauncy will soon reply to Dr. Chandler. I have taken
the liberty to inclose a small parcel to Dr. Harris.

I am, dear Sir, with the greatest sincerity, your obliged
friend and humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

Boston, N. .E., Sept. 7, 1769.
Dear Sir,

Your very acceptable letters of May 10, 1769, and
June 26, 1769, I have received, with the kind and gener-
ous present which accompanied each ; for which please

Letters from Andrew Eliot to TIiohkis Hot lis. 1 |:>

to accept my sincere acknowledgments. We should
be quite ignorant what is said for or against us in Great
Britain, if it were not for your obliging care I have put
these publications into the hands of those who are able
to make the best use of them, and have inserted the extracts
from your public prints in our weekly papers.

The letter from the late A-B-P, relative to an American
bishop, is like the man. smooth, plausible and artful. You
cannot have one in that high station so well versed in the
art of wheedling and cajoling. I look on his removal as a
signal favor of Providence. Dr. Chandler must have seen
this epistle, or the substance of it, before he wrote. There
is scarce anything material in the Doctor's long, labored,
dull performances, but it is to be found in this. What an
innocent animal is our American bishop to be ! Such a
bishop as the world scarce ever saw, if it was in his power
to be greater. A bishop of the Church of England with-
out temporal power or worldly pomp ! ! ! Surely the A-B-P
must have much too contemptible an opinion of the under-
standing of the Americans, to imagine they would suffer
themselves to be imposed upon by such flimsy pretexts.
If we have a bishop, he will be like the rest of the order ;
once introduced, there will never want pretences to increase
his power — therefore we will not have one, unless we are
compelled ; no, not so much as to ride through the coun-
try to confirm. Our Episcopalians, except a very few,
would not give sixpence to feel his holy hands on their
heads. They have no value for that paltry rite ; and if a
bishop must come, it would be quite as acceptable to have
his lordship of Quebec, as an English bishop. The letter
to the bishop of Albany, is excellently calculated to expose
the scheme. I have given it to the printers ; it will be
attended with some remarks on the negligence of the
society in omitting to send missionaries to Canada — while
so many are sent among the Presbyterians in New England.

Your sentiments of an Agent are quite just. But party
and parsimony prevail. Mr. Adams's reputation is so
high, that I believe he might obtain the Agency. But as
he has not been long in business, he has at present other
view r s. 1 am mistaken if his abilities and integrity do not
soon raise him to a station of eminence.

444 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

I fear for the nation. It is unhappy that there is no one
in whom they can put confidence — there can be no danger
from a change of ministry — we cannot easily have a worse.
The Colonists have great expectations that their affairs will
issue well. The ministry certainly had a design to new-
model our constitution, at least in this Province ; but they
have had business enough at home — this has been our
security, and we think will be. Our people begin to des-
pise a military force. The troops desert in great numbers ;
it is common to hear that six or eight go off in a night.
When the officers behave ill, as they often do, no one
scruples to take the advantage of the law, which to their
great mortification has its course, notwithstanding all their
efforts. Things cannot long remain in the state they are
now in ; they are hastening to a crisis. What will be the
event, God know r s.

The President's chair is still vacant, several in the cor-
poration, who have been thought of, have utterly declined
that trust ; among the rest, Mr. Winthrop. I know not
where we shall look next. At the desire of the corpora-
tion, I transmit to you their vote of thanks.

The Lieutenant Governor is about to publish a volume
of ancient papers. I have not seen them, but understand
Mr. Cotton's laws are among them — perhaps not from the
best copy. When the book is finished, I hope to have the
honor of sending it to you.

I have endeavored to prevent, as far as lay in my power,
your being troubled with American visitants or corres-
pondents. I hope you will not take it amiss, that I men-
tion to you a worthy young merchant, Mr. Samuel Eliot, a
nephew of mine and peculiarly dear to me, who has lately
sailed for London. He was brought up under the minis-
try of the late excellent Dr. Mayhew. If it should be in
your way to serve him, I shall take it as a great favor. He
knows nothing of my mentioning him, and has no expecta-
tion of your notice.

I am, dear Sir, with the greatest gratitude and respect,
your obliged friend and humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

To Tho's Hollis, Esq.

Letters from Andrew Eliot to 'Thomas Hollis. 445

Boston, N. E., Dec. 25, 17(5!).
Dear Sir,

The box of books and tracts which you sent by ('apt.
Allen, to be forwarded by me to Harvard College, I re-
ceived, and have conveyed to Cambridge, Inclosed you
have a copy of the corporation's vote 1 of thanks. I heart-
ily thank you for the parcel in the box directed to me,
which I found to contain a number of valuable hooks and
tracts — and for your very obliging letter, dated Aug. 12, '69.
I hope you have received the several letters and little par-
eels I had sent before the receipt of yours — in which I
have acknowledged the receipt of those letters you men-
tion in your last.

I trust this will find you returned from Dorsetshire. It
is my sincere desire that you may meet with a situation
that is agreeable to you, and that will confirm the health
and protract the life of one who has been so unwearied in
his endeavors to promote the public good, and to whom I
am under the greatest personal obligations.

What you mention with respect to Mr. Kearsley, may be
of importance to both countries. I have written to my
kinsman, whom I formerly took the liberty to mention to
you, and who is now in England, desiring him to see Mr.
Kearsley and to settle a correspondence with him. I know
no one more capable of discharging such a trust, or who
will more readily undertake it. I wish some personal
scurrilities were omitted in our papers ; however, these had
better be tolerated, than the liberty of the press, that palla-
dium of every thing valuable, should be invaded. I am
glad Mr. Kearsley has avoided these. The public trans-
actions of the Colonies ought to be known in England —
and it will be of great service to us, to have some of our
best political pieces republished there.

It is a great pity the Favorite ever returned to create
suspicions and jealousies in the minds of a people already
sufficiently exas perated. But it is to be feared, there is
something more than jealousy in the sentiments the nations
have of this mischievous Thane ; that he has too much
influence in the public measures.

The Conduct of the Earl of Chatham, a pamphlet you

446 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

was so good as to send me, though evidently written by
some tool of the ministry, yet I fear contains some alarming
truths. What a situation is the nation in, if one, who
owes his all to the free choice of the people, is no friend to
their freedom ! God grant he may have juster notions,
before it be too late. I heartily pray, God save the King
from arbitrary principles, evil counsellors, a corrupt Parlia-
ment, and unconstitutional measures. If the King can do
no wrong, his ministers may ; and when they do wrong,
they ought to be h-g-d.

The affair of Lutterell, is one of the greatest insults on
common sense I ever knew. It is high for the House of
Commons to assume a power of determining who shall not
sit — but it is insufferable, when they take upon them to
impose members who have, never been elected.

The Colonies wait with patience to hear the result of
Parliament. Lord Hillsboro' has written a letter to soothe
them, wherein he promises a repeal of the duties on glass,
paper and painters 1 colors, but leaves out tea. The Colonies
will never be easy without a repeal of the whole. How
weak is the conduct of the ministry ! They show by their
condescensions that they are afraid of driving things to
extremities in the Colonies, and yet know not how to give
up with a good grace. The Americans are determined to
hold out. I wish in some things they were more temper-
ate — but certainly it is best for Great Britain to repeal the
obnoxious Acts. The non-importation takes place through-
out almost all the Colonies. By what I can learn, there is
greater opposition to it in Boston, than there is in any of
the Provinces that have come into the agreement. Our
first subscription was to continue till the first of January,
1770. The merchants afterwards renewed it, and engaged
not to import till the Acts should be repealed. A number
who came into the first agreement, refused to subscribe to
the second — several of these latter have goods, imported
since the agreement took place, and have resigned them to
the care of the merchants who have stored them. When
the first of January arrives, the owners will insist upon it,
that their engagement is at an end — and seem determined
to expose their commodities to sale. This will occasion
warm debates, and much altercation. I know not what

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas 1 loll is. 44-7

will be the event — but things must come to some crisis —
and if the acts are not repealed, I am very fearful of the
consequence. The minds of people arc in a great ferment.

Our Assembly is to meet in about a fortnight. It is diffi-
cult to guess in what temper they will come together.
Personal resentment against Governor Bernard has some-
times Led to warm measures, that might not have taken

place, if he had been out of the chair. As lie is gone,
that occasion of offence is removed. The Lieutenant Gov-
ernor has many enemies ; he has also many friends. He
must not attempt any thing against our liberties. I hope
he is not disposed — that he has a real regard for his coun-
try. At all events, the Assembly will stand by their rights;
they dare not give up the least iota. There is one thing
which threatens a contention at the very beginning of the
session. Last summer the Assembly refused to do business
in Boston, because the main guard was placed just over
against the court-house. The Governor, to end the dis-
pute, carried the Court to Cambridge. The guards still
remain. The Speaker tells me the House will not proceed
to business, unless they are removed. I believe the Lieut.
Governor will endeavor to fix the guard-house in some
other place. I am doubtful whether this will be sufficient.
I shall be sorry if the Court should be at Cambridge. It
hinders the scholars in their studies. The young gentle-
men are already enough taken up with politics. They
have catched the spirit of the times. Their declamations
and forensic disputes breathe the spirit of liberty. This
has always been encouraged ; but they have sometimes
wrought themselves up to such a pitch of enthusiasm that
it has been difficult to keep them within due bounds. But
their tutors are fearful of giving too great a check to a dis-
position which may hereafter fill the country with patriots,
and choose to leave it to age and experience to correct
their ardor.

The corporation have at length chose a President. His
name is Locke — a truly venerable name ! This gentleman
is minister of a small parish, about twenty miles from
Cambridge. He has fine talents, is a close thinker, had at
College the character of a first rate scholar ; he is possessed
of an excellent spirit, has generous, catholic sentiments, is

448 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

a friend to liberty, and is universally acceptable, at least so
far as I have heard. He has not conversed so much with
the world as I could wish, and perhaps has not a general
acquaintance with books ; but he loves study, and will
have opportunity at College to improve, being not yet forty
years old. We know not whether he will accept. I am
to set out, with a committee of the overseers, on the mor-
row, for Sherburne, where Mr. Locke lives, to make the
invitation in form.

I am, dear Sir, with great respect, your obliged friend
and humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

Boston, Feb. 1, 1770.
Dear Sir,

I am loth to trouble you so often, but was desirous
you might see what Dr. Chauncy had written against Dr.
Chandler, as soon as possible. The Doctor writes solidly,
rather than correctly. The piece published in the Appen-
dix, gives a further specimen of the spirit of the Episco-
palians. I send one of these pamphlets, directed to Dr.
Harris. If it will give you the least inconvenience to send
it to that worthy gentleman, please to dispose of it else-
where.

I wrote you in my last, that Mr. Locke was chosen Pres-
ident. We are to receive his answer next week. 'Tis
supposed that he will accept.

A gentleman of character from Canada, has been in
Town ; he informs that the popish interest in that Prov-
ince has gained ground amazingly, since the introduction
of a bishop, which w T as a favor the Canadians did not at
all expect. Since his arrival, the Papists are insolent ;
refuse their churches to the Protestants, which these had
freely used before. Instead of our gaining proselytes from
them, great numbers [disbanded soldiers and others] are
gone over to them, and discouragements are thrown in the
way of those who would renounce Popery. There is cer-
tainly, of late years, a secret influence in the British court
in favor of the Romish church. I wish in the end it may

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas ] loll is. 11!)

not have sonic terrible effect which is not at present
thought of.

I am, with the greatest esteem, your obliged friend and
bumble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

Boston, June 28, 1770.
I )i:ar Sir,

Your very obliging favor dated December 5, 1769, I
received, with the kind present which accompanied it.
Please to accept my hearty acknowledgments.

A-D-X Blaokburne's Commentary on the A-B-P's Letter
to Mr. Walpole is, like himself, excellent throughout. The
Americans read it with avidity, and hold themselves ex-
tremely obliged to the incomparable author. Be so good,
if you have opportunity, to make my particular acknowl-
edgments for this unanswerable performance, to that worthy
man, whom I shall always reverence and honor. May he
Ion"- live to be a scourae to bigoted and insidious church-
men, and to defend the rights and liberties of mankind !
I immediately sent a copy to New York, where this contro-
versy is more warmly agitated than it is with us. [Our
churchmen cannot write.] Dr. Hodgers, a worthy Presby-
terian minister in that city, writes in return, " I am much
obliged to you for Dr. Burton's panegyric on the A-B-P,
though I am much disgusted with it ; and think that he
has, whatever Dr. Markham may have done, indeed injured
him by his assistance." A-D-X B — ne's critical Commentary
on Dr. Seeker's Letter, gives me a pleasure I cannot ex-
press. I think it is very plain that the A-B-P set Dr.
Chandler to work, and highly probable that he furnished
him with a copy of his letter to Mr. Walpole, as the
ground- work. But I hope a gracious God has defeated
the baleful design, of both the principal and his second.
We think that the spirited opposition that has been made
to an American Episcopate has, if not entirely defeated the
measure, yet, delayed its execution — and we hope for half
a century at least, which is a great thing — and the future
friends of the cause of liberty will be under great advan-
4th s. — vol. iv. 57

450 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

tages for its defence against any future attempts on it of
the like nature.

Dr. Stiles, of Newport, writes, " I received great pleas-
ure from the remarks on A-B-P Seeker's Answer to Mr.
Walpole's Letter, upon the subject of an American Epis-
copate, and am highly obliged to you for it. I shall lend
it to some of our church tories. It will be a good dose for
them. He has opened the cabinet, the Pandora's box, and
discovered the latent intrigues of this A-B-P. I have often
heard Dr. Johnson, of Stratford, speak of this Seeker, with
high encomiums, being, like himself, a convert from us,
cotemporary in age and conversion, resident at the Univer-
sity of Oxford, 1723, when Johnson was there. I mention
this to show that the A-B-P might at that time, and from
acquaintance with Cutler and Johnson, first conceive his
favorite notion of episcopizing New England and America.
It was, as I understood, in 1748, by letters of correspond-
ence between Dr. Johnson and this said Dr. Seeker, B-p
Oxon, that Tho' Brad: Chandler was proselyted — learn-
ing or imbibing then, an assurance that in his day the
hierarchy would be erected here, and that the young adven-
turers had a fair chance of becoming bishops and other
dignitaries in the church. The same bait was at that time
offered to me. I did not indeed see, though I easily might
have seen, those letters. This piece satisfies me, that
Seeker and the rest of the B-ps even, gladly encouraged
and brought forward the Popish Episcopacy at Quebec. I
was not so clear before, that Dr. Chandler was excited to
write by this A-B-P. I think the author enters well into the
objections of the Americans. "We are all obliged to him
for developing sundry things, which, though we believed
before, yet were in the dark. The Antigua affair, joined
with that at Hopkinton, narrated by Dr. Mayhew, gives a
proper idea of commissary authority. Could Seeker be in
earnest for tory bishops 1 Burton's panegyrick, betrays his
high Oxonian domination and tyranny over conscience.
The remarks are a good antidote for this piece of extrav-
agant adulation. What will Dr. Chandler say, at an Epis-
copal divine so boldly and authoritatively deciding the
dispute, with a declaration of the futility of his reason-
ings I "

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas 1 loll Is. 451

I have endeavored to make a proper use of the hint you
have given concerning political publications. Several gen-
tlemen have engaged to send for them. I have often ex-
pressed in)' surprise, that no care has been taken, to know
what has been said for and against us in Great Britain.
Few of our merchants are readers, and others are out of
the way of procuring. Our accounts of things arc chiefly
by private correspondences. The popular side have de-
pended chiefly on Governor Pownal, Mr. Bollan and Mr.
D'Berdt. The first is capable enough of giving intelligence,
but, unless 1 am greatly mistaken, he is a thorough modern
politician. Mr. Bollan Ihave always esteemed a gentleman
of learning and integrity. Good Mr. D'Berdt did as well
as he could ; he would not willingly deceive, but perhaps
was often deceived.

I find the catastrophe of the fifth of March has reached
London. We are yet at a loss what will be the effect. It
was an awful scene. There had been such an animosity
between the inhabitants and the soldiery some time before
this tragedy, that I greatly feared the event. The people
seemed determined to "be rid of such troublesome inmates,
as soon as possible, but were generally careful not to be
the aggressors. Capt. Preston, who commanded the party
that fired on the unarmed inhabitants, had the character of
a benevolent, humane man ; he insists on his innocence,
and that his men fired without his order. The evidence
will be perplexed, if not contradictory. His trial, which,
in common course, would have come on very soon after the
action, has been deferred from time to time. It was ad-
journed to the beginning of this month ; but one of the
judges falling from his horse, the court could not proceed,
and it is deferred to next term, which will be in August.
People complain of the delay of justice. Perhaps it was
best to defer the trial at the first — the minds of men were
too much inflamed to have given him a common chance.
But they are as calm now, as they arc like to be at all —
and if judges have power to delay trials as long as they
please, it certainly is in their power to say whether there
shall be any trial at all. It is my hearty prayer that he
may have a fair and impartial hearing, and that justice may
take place. It is said, if he is convicted, he will be par"

452 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

doned. This will give great uneasiness. In case of mur-
der fully proved, it may be doubted whether any power on
earth has a right to pardon. The action, let who will be
guilty, cannot be justified ; and it can answer no good end
to palliate it. The passions of the inhabitants were raised
that evening almost to madness, and it is amazing that they
were kept from rushing, unarmed as they were, on the
troops — -in which case the consequence must have been
dreadful. The whole serves to show the impossibility of
our living in peace with a standing army. A free people
will sometimes carry things too far ; but this remedy will
always be found worse than the disease. Trenchard's His-
tory of standing armies, with which you formerly obliged
me, is excellent. Some are ready to represent the whole as
a scheme of the Commissioners, without the least reason.
But this shows the prejudice there is against them — which
is such that there is no safety in conversing with them, or
showing them the least respect. I do not hear that they
have of late given any offence, either in their private or
public character. But the office is detested, and they must
be removed. I have been of the mind that no affront
would be offered them, and I believe that it was not the
intention of the leaders of the opposition to have the least
injury done them. But Mr. Hulton's house, about four
miles out of Town, has been attacked by a small party,
and some windows broke. All parties disapprove the
action. Mr. Birch and his lady resided with Mr. Hulton.
They are all retired to the castle. We are at present in a
state of confusion. There seems to be no government.
The General Court refuse to do business at Cambridge.
The Governor says he cannot bring them to Boston. I
had rather they were anywhere than at College.

Unless there is some great alteration in the state of
things, the aera of the independence of the Colonies is
much nearer than I once thought it, or now wish it. It is
for the interest of both countries to be united, if it can be
on equitable terms. May God give wisdom to the Adminis-
tration at home and prudence to the Colonies, or these
disputes may end in the hurt if not ruin of both. In the
present state of things, you may easily imagine what would
be the consequence if Administration should send a Col-

Letters from Andrew EltOt to Thomas I loll is. 458

ony Bishop. I much question whether the prayer put into

his mouth in the print before 4 the Political Register for Sep-
tember would be answered — whether he would be Buffered
to depart in peace.

What changes in your political world. Dr. Blackstone,
whose Commentaries show how well he understood the
constitution of England, votes and writes in favor of Lut-
trell ; and Mr. Grenville, the 4 author of our miseries, is in
favor of Wilkes and the Colonies. Put L-d H-lsb-gh out
of place, and he will turn patriot. Your great men do not
even save appearances. We are glad however to have
advocates, from whatever principle they act. If it were
not for the opposition, the nation would be enslaved and
the Colonies crushed. Our good ancestors nsed to say,
u The earth helps the woman," and unless Providence
makes use of bad men. the Lord have mercy on Great
Britain ! for among the great, I fear, there is scarce a vir-
tuous character to be found. I should be glad to hope it
was better among the other ranks, but the people could not
be sold if they did not first sell themselves. I am sorry,
dear Sir. you are almost alone ; but a man of understand-
ing and virtue, who will not run headlong with party,
per fas #• nefas, will find few in the present times with
whom he can unite. May God preserve you till you see
England virtuous and happy, to the utmost of your wishes !
and all the disputes between the parent country and their
Colonies, settled agreeably to eqnity and justice ! and may
a constitutional harmony subsist between them through all
generations !

Mr. Locke was installed President March 21. I hope
he will fill the place well. Lie is a gentleman of abil-
ities and a good share of learning — of great prudence and a
fine mind, and which is a great thing at this time, agreeable
to all parties — perhaps his greatest defect is, that he does
not quite know the world in all its departments — having
lived in retirement. His introduction into snch a public
station wiD give him an opportunity to cultivate a more
general acquaintance with men and things. His age will
admit of improvements. He is under forty.

I find by the papers that worthy Dr. Harris has departed
this life. The world can ill spare men of abilities, integ-

454 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

rity and fortitude. But ive must resign, when Heaven claims
their souls.

Amidst the present confusions in England, I do not
wonder you are fond of retiring ; but cannot wish it, for
the sake of your friends and the public.

I am, dear Sir, with the greatest gratitude and respect,
your obedient, humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

Boston, Janry 26, 1771.
Dear Sir,

I ought long ago to have acknowledged the receipt of
your kind 'favor of June 2, 1770, but a very ill state of
health rendered me almost incapable of writing at all. I
was once obliged to retire in the midst of divine service.
I thank God my health is pretty well restored. I return
you my hearty thanks for the many curious pamphlets with
w T hich you have enriched me. Every thing relative to the
Long Parliament, and the succeeding times, ought to be
preserved.

I am glad the volume of " original papers " proved ac-
ceptable. I am uncertain whether Mr. Hutchinson will
publish another volume. He hath it in contemplation,
and would himself choose to publish, as he sets a great
value on these ancient relics ; but there are but few who
have a taste for such publications, or that enough consider
the importance of marking the beginnings of a people. Mr.
Hutchinson is, as you say, a gentleman ; he certainly wishes
well to his country — perhaps he had been more happy if
he had been employed only as Chief Justice, in which sta-
tion all parties were charmed with his abilities and integ-
rity. But in the chief seat of government, it is impossible
to give satisfaction on both sides the water, especially at
such a time ; and it is difficult for the best minds to keep
themselves pure. Places, pensions and salaries bias men
without their knowing it ; and human nature is too easily
warped by interest, connections, &c. I never, for his own
sake, desired to see him Governor, lest it should destroy
his comfort, and affect the purity of his heart. But since

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hoi Us. l.V>

it ivS so ordered, I hope it will turn out well for himself
and his country.

Nothing ever gave me a higher opinion of your wisdom
and integrity, than your declining every public station.

Your noble reason 1 for not seeking a ploee [seat] in the
House of Commons, will be to your everlasting honor.

You Mas quite right in supposing the public eonfusions
would soon put an end to the controversy with the Episco-
palians — the annual sermons keep an American Bishop
in sight — the design will never he abandoned — we fear a
coup de main. Our friends, we trust, will he on the watch.
I have endeavored to disperse the A-D-N's admirable
Critical Commentary among our public libraries, especially
those in the Colleges, where I thought it would be most
read, and be most useful.

Another controversy hath unexpectedly arisen, w T e judge,
from the Episcopalian quarter, although they do not ap-
pear in it. Our Baptist brethren, all at once, complain of
grievous persecutions in the Massachusetts ! These com-
plaints were never heard of till we saw them in the public
prints. It was a great surprise when we saw them, as we
had not heard that the laws in force w T ere not satisfactory.
There was soon reason to suspect that the whole originated
among us with a young Baptist minister from Pennsyl-
vania, who has lately been introduced into this Town ; and
we were informed by our friends in that Colony, that the
Baptists there had formed a coalition with the Episcopa-
lians, and had refused to join the Presbyterians in oppos-
ing an American Episcopate. The truth of this you will
easily believe, w 7 hen you read an extract, which I now
inclose, from one of the Philadelphia papers, which was
lately published here. [Evening Post, Jan. 1-1, 1771.] I
wish I could send you the w r hole of the abusive things that
have been published there against this Province, on this
subject ; but it is not at present in my power. I w r ish our
fathers had contrived some other way for the maintenance
of ministers, than by a tax. Thank God, we have none in
Boston. I do not like any thing that looks like an estab-
lishment. But in the way in which our ministers are gen-

1 I saw it in the North Briton.

456 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

erally maintained, the Baptists can have very little reason
to complain. For as soon as any produce a certificate that
they are Baptists, they are excused from all ministerial
taxes. The certificate is to be given by persons of their
own denomination, who are hereby made the only judges,
and who it is to be supposed (like all others) will be fond
of increasing their party. There is no doubt that this
exemption induces some to profess themselves Baptists.
There may have been some particular acts of hardship and
injustice, but they must have proceeded from some acci-
dental cause. There is nothing in the present complexion
of this country, that looks like persecution. Both magis-
trates and ministers are as free from it as they ever were
in any age or country. If it were not so, I should detest
New England as much as now I love it, and if possible
would leave it. I waited on Mr. Stillman, a Baptist min-
ister in my neighborhood, as soon as I saw the complaints
in the public prints. I complained in my turn of the
injury he did the country. I told him that if there was
any thing wrong, we would join with him in getting it
redressed. I spake to Speaker Gushing, Mr. Adams and
others of the Assembly, who promised to look carefully
into the matter, to have the law altered so as to give all
reasonable satisfaction to the Baptists. Other ministers
joined with me ; and yet, after this, we found another ad-
vertisement wherein they mentioned that they had chose
an Agent to repair to England to address His Majesty.
We thought it very hard that they should apply against
their own country at a time when there was such an
unfavorable disposition towards us in the court of Great
Britain.

In the public papers at Philadelphia, (for they attack us
at a distance,) we are threatened with the loss of our char-
ter, for our treatment of the Baptists. This hath raised a
spirit against them among our sons of liberty — as I am in
friendship with both parties, I converse with both. Many
among the Baptists in this Town, are much displeased with
the publications, and insist that their ministers shall excul-
pate themselves from being the authors of these cruel
charges against their country. Both the Baptist ministers
have declared to me that they are sorry they have proceed-

Letters from Andrew 'Eliot to Thomas Hollis. 451

ed so far, and that fchey will publish no more. The scheme
of sending to England is, I hope, at an end, and that all
will be amicably settled. It will be, unless the Episco-
palians stir up the Baptists at the Southward. You a\ ill
excuse my enlarging on this head ; the reason is, that I
fear some malevolent persons have sent false accounts to
England. If there arc any charges brought against us
there, we shall be glad to be made acquainted with them,
that we may have opportunity to vindicate ourselves. I
hate every species of persecution, and cannot bear that a
people should be accused of it that in my conscience I
believe pre free from it.

On all accounts I dislike the Court's setting at Cam-
bridge, especially in the College. Happily they have not
yet convened in so cold weather as to have a fire, and I
trust effectual methods will be taken to prevent it, and to
remove them at least from the College buildings.

I mourn the death of the late excellent Dr. Harris. I
hope the remainder of his history is left so as that the
public will be favored with it. I pray for the continuance
of worthy Dr. Fleming. The times are not worthy of such
men, but they need them the more.

Things are with us in a more quiet state than they have
been. But it seems to me that our patriots have managed
with less policy than usual. The non-importation scheme
is given up with an ill grace. I knew our merchants, &c,
could not hold out much longer — and therefore thought it
best, when the Parliament repealed all the duties except
that on tea, to put on a show of good humor, and to import
every thing but that article. This would have saved ap-
pearances ; whereas now, I fear we shall be thought entirely
vanquished. New York throws the blame on us, and ac-
cuses this Town of treachery. That there hath been deceit
among some individuals, cannot be doubted. But the
Town in general has been honest, and has suffered incredi-
bly ; more, I am persuaded, than any Town on the conti-
nent. I wonder, however, they do not vindicate themselves.
In short, some who have been leaders, would have been
glad to have held out longer, but persons in trade were
weary, and, as interest is generally their god, began to be
furious. The zeal of the populace, by which they had
4th s. — vol. iv. 58

458 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

been restrained a great while, gradually abated, and it was
impossible to prevent a general importation.

Our friends in England will be surprised at the acquittal
of Capt. Preston and the soldiers. Had they been tried
soon after the tragedy was acted, they could not have been
saved. If they had been acquitted, I verily believe there
would have been at that day, something similar to the exe-
cution of Capt. Porteous, in Edinburgh. But the passions
of men soon subside. The trial was very long. The pris-
oners had secured the ablest and most popular counsel.
In Capt. Preston's trial there was some little suspicion of
unfair management in impannelling the jury, and yet peo-
ple seem more satisfied with his acquittal, than with the
acquittal of the soldiers-— where the jury were generally
spoken well of. Some reflections are cast on the court.
On the whole the evidence turned out very differently from
what was expected. But people out of doors think it very
hard the inhabitants should be killed and no one be con-
demned. They are many of them uneasy and grumble-
but all is quiet. There is no disposition to mobs — none
are tarred or feathered ! ; — The Commissioners are not mo-
lested — Vindex writes — Philantro 1 is about to write.
The Colonies are divided and jealous of each other. The
House of Representatives in the Massachusetts every ses-
sion, find some new point to contend about, which they
soon give up. The Council yield without contending.
The K-g's sp-ch every year blusters against us, but all
ends in words. The ministry threaten to take away our
charter, but leave us in possession- of it. If good policy
has any influence, we shall make a drawn battle of it.
You will attempt nothing against us— we shall attempt
nothing against you. I could wish mutual harmony and
confidence might once more return — but this is too much
to expect in our day— jealousies and suspicions will sub-
sist, till - - - -

We daily look for war. We are at a loss which is best
— peace or war. Peace is in itself desirable — but war hath

1 Vindex, supposed to be Mr. Samuel Adams.

Philanthrope supposed to be Jonathan Sewall, Esq., Attorney General, Judge of
the Admiralty. — Note by Hollis.

J, otters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas J loll Is. 159

sometimes happy effects. Whatever comes, may Heaven
grant you many serene and happy days!

I am, Sir, with the most sincere regard, your obliged
friend and humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.

Tho. Hollis, Esq.

I have at length met with a New England sixpence,
which is inclosed. I shall watch for the other pieces. If
they are to be had in the country I shall procure them.
Put I have not hitherto met with any one who has seen
them. A. E.

Boston, April 25, 1771.

Some things in this Oration 1 are well said, particularly
with relation to standing armies, which seem quite incon-
sistent with the British constitution. Perhaps it might be
as well not to dispute in such strong terms, the legal right
of Parliament. This is a point that cannot easily be set-
tled, and had therefore best be touched very gently. It
cannot be supposed that the Parliament will give up their
right of taxation in express terms, it will be prudence for
them never again to exercise it. If the Colonies dispute
their right of legislation, which hath been always submit-
ted to, particularly with respect to the regulation of trade,
it may raise a new ferment, and may create suspicions that
nothing will satisfy but absolute independence. At present
things are very quiet. A. E.

The Complete View of Episcopacy, 2 is a work of great
labor. It was proposed for subscription more than thirty
years ago. There was not zeal enough at that time against
Episcopacy, to carry it through. The Doctor writes with

1 By James Lovell, A. M., delivered April 2, 1771, to commemorate the bloody
tragedy of March 5, 1770.

2 By Charles Chauncy, D. D., Boston, 1771.

460 Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas Hollis.

solidity and judgment. It is very probable Dr. Chandler
will attack this performance. This Episcopal champion,
it is said, will soon publish a reply to Dr. Chauncy's last
piece against an Episcopate in America, which was for-
merly sent to Mr. Hollis.

Things are at present very quiet — our political heats
have subsided. The Governor and House of Representa-
tives have their altercations, and send messages to each
other — there the dispute ends. People are jealous and
watchful, but seem averse to tumults and riots.

A. E.

Boston, N. E., June 19, 1771.

Boston, Jane 21, 1771.
Dear Sir,

Since I closed the parcel by Capt. Hall, I have met
with one of Dr. Chandler's answer to Dr. Chauncy, which
is just come from New York. I thought it might not be
disagreeable to you to have it as soon as possible.

Just as I sat down to write I heard of something which
gives me great pain. I wrote to you by Capt. Ackworth.
My letter was dated Jan. 26, 1771, in which I acknowl-
edged the receipt of your kind favor of June 2d, 1770. I
gave the parcel to one Mr. Tileston, a young gentleman
passenger, who lives in my neighborhood, with a special
charge to deliver it to Mr. Lever with his own hand. After
the vessel was fallen down and under sail, the young gen-
tleman took it in his head to come ashore. I immedi-
ately sent to inquire what he did with the parcel I gave
him. He answered that he gave it to the Captain, who
promised to deliver it with care. Capt. Ackworth is since
returned, and my son, whom I sent to him, has just in-
formed me that he remembers nothing of the parcel I sent.
There was inclosed a New England sixpence, such as you
desired, and which is the only one I ever saw. I shall
take it as a favor if you would let me know whether you
received the parcel or not. I believe the safest way is to

Letters from Andrew Eliot to Thomas J /oil is. 461

give what I send to the Captain, and not to trust passen-
gers. I shall he uneasy till 1 hear from you.

I wrote to yon June 28, 1770, and lately inclosed Mr.
Lovell's Oration, in a small parcel by Capt. Symmes.
All under cover to Mr. Lever.

The vessel is just upon sailing. 1 have only time to add,
that I am,

Your most ohligcd friend and humble servant,

Andrew Eliot.
To Tho's Hollis, Esq.

NOTICE OF THE SIEUE D'AULNAY, OF ACADIE.

[From the French.]

A paper read before the Massachusetts Historical Society, at their Monthly
Meeting in October, 1857, by Rev. William Jenks, D. D.

[Note. Observing in our library, a few weeks since, an account of the ancient
French noble family of Menou, the writer's attention was arrested by an unex-
pected allusion to New England affairs. The familiar name of Winthrop occurred
in the margin of a page ; and, on making inquiry, it was found that the volume
had been transmitted from its author, Count Julius de Menou, through the hands
of our respected President, who had referred, in a pencil note, to the passage ;
and that researches had been made, on behalf of the Count, by a Member of the
Historical Society.

The name of D'Aulnay occupies many pages in the early history of New
England. It is not intended, in this communication, to repeat them further than
they are quoted in the narrative, third series ; but simply to offer a plain and
literal translation of the French original. Except in vol. vii. of our Collections,
the family name of Menou has seldom been attached to our accounts of D'Aulnay
in English. This latter name is drawn from an Estate, obtained by his father in
marriage, and the branch it designates is that of the lords of Charnisay, by which
name also M. D'Aulnay is often mentioned. W. J.]

Oct. 8. 1857.

Charles de Menou, 1 chevalier, lord of Aulnay, lieutenant general and governor of
Acadie and neighboring countries, in New France, married Jane Motin, 2 by whom he had
1, 2, 3, Joseph, Charles, and Rene, killed in war.

4, Paul, killed at the siege of Luxembourg, in 1684, major in the regiment of the mar-
shal De la Ferte, his relative.

5, Mary, born in 1646, and received, in 1676, as canoness of the noble chapter of Pous-
say. Her heraldric bearings are at the Royal Library of Paris, accompanied by a certifi-
cate of the marshals De la Ferte and De Grangey, and the dukes Du Lude and De Roque-
laure, given by them as cousins of Mary de Menou.

6, 7, 8, Jane, Rene"e, Anne, nuns of La Bourdilliere.

All these children of Charles de Menou were born at Port Royal, the seat of his govern-
ment. It appears that a certain John Motin was, in 1474, one of the gentlemen of the
King's household, and archer of the guard. (Royal Library, French Supplement, vol.
2343.)

Charles de Menou embarked, July 4th, 1632, for Amer-
ica, as lieutenant of the commander De Kazilly, under

1 Menou. This family, originally of Perche, deriving its name from a territory
there, and afterward transplanted into Touraine, traces its descent regularly from
the eleventh century. And it is summarily stated by different genealogists, that
the House of Menou ' unites all which constitutes a true nobility, namely, an-
tiquity, high employments, distinguished military services, and illustrious con-
nexions.'

2 With this name the lady signed her petition or declaration made to Endecott,
Governor of Massachusetts, and his associates, after the death of her first hus-
band, May 27, 1651. See Mass. Hist. Coll. 3d. series, vol. vii., pp. 115, 116.

Notice of the Sieur D' Aid nay, of Acadie. 163

orders to take possession of the country which the king of
England had restored, agreeably to the Treaty of St. Ger-
n lain. Razilly was one of the most distinguished officers
of the French marine, who, after having served with bril-
liant reputation before Rochelle, had commanded an expe-
dition against Morocco, where he had broken the chains of
a large number of Christians. In 1632 he had received
the title of governor of the colony which he engaged to
found. The king had sent him a commission in blank, so
that, in case of accident, it might be filled with the name
of a person capable of performing the duty. (Archives of
foreign affairs.) The choice of a lieutenant, therefore, in
these circumstances, was of high importance. Razilly
proposed Charles de Menou-d'Aulnay, who had already
served under his command.

After having seized on La Heve, in Acadie, Razilly
charged D'Aulnay to take possession of Tort Royal, and
of Pemptagoiet [sic], where the Anglo- Americans had
established themselves since 1627. D'Aulnay took the
fort, sent away its defenders, and gave them goods for their
articles of commerce, which he sent to La Heve. He then
w r rote to Mr. Winthrop, governor of the English colony,
that he was ordered to expel, as far as Pemaquid, all set-
tlers who had established themselves within that limit ; that
such of his jurisdiction as might visit Pemptagoiet should
be well received, without being permitted to proceed any
further. He repelled an expedition sent against him, and
returned to France, January 24th, 1633, in a vessel of the
king, of which he was commander. (Hutchinson, History
of Massachusetts, p. -16. — Letter of D'Aulnay, Archives of
Massach.)

Razilly having died at La Heve in November, 1635,
D'Aulnay exercised in the mean time the functions of gov-
ernor, which were confirmed to him by the King. (Halli-
burton, History of Nova Scotia, p. 52.) He removed the
seat of his government from La Heve to Port Royal, in
order to be nearer to the rival and enterprising colonies of
New England, and more capable of watching over the
interests of France, and of his own colony. He con-
structed at Port Royal, and at Pemptagoiet [Penobscot in
the margin] fortresses which, as well as all Acadie, were

464 Notice of the Sieur D 'Aulnay, of Acadie.

maintained in the power of France as long as D'Aulnay
lived.

Louis XIII. wrote to D'Aulnay, February 10th, 1638,
from St. Germain-en-Laye, a letter establishing the limits
of his command. 1 It is signed, Louis, and lower down,
Bouthillier, and addressed to M. D'Aulnay-Charnisay, com-
manding the forts of La Heve, Port Royal, Pemptagoiet,
and coasts of the Etchemins in New France. (Archives
of the marine.) By another dispatch, of the 13th of Feb-
ruary, 1641, His Majesty announced to him the express
order given to the Sieur de la Tour 2 to embark without

1 Charlevoix remarks respecting this division : ' All that the English had taken
from us in Acadie, and the neighboring coast, having been restored in 1632, this
part of New France was divided into three provinces ; the government and prop-
erty of which were granted to the Commander Razilly, young La Tour, and
M. Denys. The first had for his portion Port Royal, and the territory south of it
as far as New England ; the second had Acadie, properly so called ; and the
third had the eastern coast of Canada, from Camceaux [Canso] as far as Gaspe.'
Vol. i. p. 410.

2 This individual occupies even a larger space than his rival in the early his-
tory of our New England settlements. And although in the present memorial
of D'Aulnay no mention is made of him before, yet he had been longer on
American ground, and more deeply interested in the territory of Acadie and its
neighborhood, (as was his father before him,) than D'Aulnay himself. Charle-
voix, who is not quoted by Count Julius de Menou in his ' Preuves,' acquaints us
with much that is essential to the historical narrative of the facts of those
times, although in part unfavorable to the memory of D'Aulnay. Haliburton, in
his Account of Nova Scotia, and Bancroft, in his History of the United States,
have made great use of this historian, as did both Hutchinson and Dr. Holmes
previously. For aught that appears, he is deserving of confidence ; and it is to
the praise of his candor and impartiality, that, though a Jesuit, he yet treats
La Tour, notwithstanding his apparent leaning toward Protestantism, which
indeed commended him and his cause to our Puritan forefathers, with so much of
not mere lenity, but even commendation.

He states, that, ' after the French had been driven from Acadie, and all the
southern part of New France, in 1613, by the English, [under Sir Samuel
Argall,] they made no effort, at that period, to recover the country ; and that,
although it had been abandoned, as soon as it had been invaded and taken, and
M. de Poutrincourt, who visited it the year after, found in it none to resist him,
and the few inhabitants who were left were sufficiently at ease ; yet the mortifica-
tion of seeing all his labors ruined, and the fear, that, if he began to build up
Port Royal again, the English might come and dislodge him, induced him to
renounce the enterprise altogether.

' But, after a few years, the Court of London seemed awake to the value of
the country, and, in 1621, King James presented it to Earl Stirling, who, never-
theless, gained but little from a grant so considerable. The French were there-
fore left there in tranquillity, until the war respecting Rochelle. Then the
English seized on all the several posts, with the exception of Cape Sable, the
southernmost point of Acadie, which a gentleman, named La Tour, still main-
tained with great honor.'

Charlevoix then relates what he terms in the margin ' a noble action of the
Sieur de la Tour,' and says, « His father was in London during the seige of Ro-

Notice of the Sieur TfAulnay^ of Accidie, 465

delay and appear before Him; should he not obey, His
Majesty ordered D'Aulnay to seize the pen-sou of the said

La Tour, take an inventory of his effects, and intrust the
forts he had held to persons who were faithful and well
disposed to the sendee of the King. Signed, Louis, and
below, Bouthillier. (Archives of the marine, Official Me-
moirs, vol. v. ]). 128.)

On the 27th of February, 1641, a meeting was held at
Paris of stockholders in the special Company of New
France, in which the cardinal Dc Richelieu was interested
for a sixth part. It was at that time declared, that, for the
six years past, D'Aulnay had often exposed his life in tak-
ing and defending forts against the English ; and, in con-

chclle, though I know not why, and had there married one of the Queen's maids
of honor. As a consequence of this, lie became a Knight of the Garter ; and,
whether he had already made engagements with the Court in prejudice of his
duty, or that his new dignity required them, certain it is, that he promised the
King of Great Britain to put the English in possession of the post his son occu-
pied in Acadie. On this assurance two ships of war were assigned him, in one of
which he embarked with his new spouse.

1 Arrived in view of Cape Sable, he left the ship, and went to his son, alone.
To him he displayed the credit he had acquired at the Court of London, and the
advantages that might accrue from it. He added, that it depended on his son
only to obtain as great ; that he was empowered to offer him the Order of the Gar-
ter, and to confirm him in his government, if he would declare for His Britannic
Majesty. The young commander was equally surprised and shocked at this pro-
posal, and plainly told his father, that he had deceived himself if he supposed his
son capable of delivering up his post to the enemies of the State; that he would
preserve it for the King his Master as long as he had a breath of life ; that he
highly appreciated the honor which the King of England seemed ready to confer
on him, but would not purchase it at the price of treason ; that the Prince whom
he served was sufficiently powerful to reward him in such manner as to compen-
sate his refusal of the offers made him ; and that, in all events, his conscious
fidelity would be a reward.

' The father, on receiving an answer so unexpected, returned on board the
ship, whence he wrote, the next day, to his son, in terms most tender and press-
ing, but to no effect. Finally, he informed him that it was in his power to obtain
by force what his entreaties had failed to procure ; that, when he had disembarked
his troops, repentance for rejecting these offered benefits would come too late;
and he counselled him, as his father, not to oblige him to treat a son as an
enemy. »

'These threats were as useless as the solicitations and promises had been. La
Tour, the father, prepared now to execute them ; and the English, having made
their approaches, the young commander defended himself so well that, at the
end of two days, the English general, who had expected no resistance whatever,
and had already lost several of his best soldiers, judged proper to desist from
obstinately continuing the siege. This he told La Tour, the father, who was
greatly embarrassed. For he dared not return to England, much less to France ;
and the only remaining course was, to seek the clemency of his son.

' He opened the subject to his wife, and told her, that he had felt assured he
could make her happy in America ; but since his ill fortune had overturned his

4th s. — vol. iv. 59

466 Notice of the Sieur UAidnay, of Acadie.

sideration of his services, they assigned to him the portion
of a seventh, which was accepted in his name by his father,
Rene de Menon. 1 This resolution, contained in an act
passed in presence of Beaufort and his colleague, notaries
at the Castle, makes mention of the generosity, experience
and good conduct of D'Aulnay.

The cardinal's share was intrusted to D'Aulnay, to dis-
pose of it ' as he judged fit, in order to sustain a seminary
for the natives, and to advance the glory of God in New
France, agreeably to the intentions of His Eminence.'
This act was passed at Paris, February 9th, 1642, in pres-
ence of Chappelain and Platrier, notaries. D'Aulnay, who
had come to Paris on the affairs of his government, ac-

prospects, he could not require her to live discontented there, but gave her full
liberty to return to her family. The lady replied that she had not married her
husband to desert him ; that wherever he chose to conduct her, and in what-
ever situation he might be, she would always be his faithful companion, and
place all her happiness in soothing his disappointments. La Tour, charmed and
melted by so great generosity, applied to his son that he might be permitted to
remain in Acadie.

' The young man answered that he was not willing to expose his father's head
on an English scaffold ; that he would willingly give him an asylum ; but that he
would not permit either him or his wife to enter the fort ; yet that he would en-
gage his word, that they should want for nothing. This condition appeared some-
what hard, but submission to it was needful. With allowance of the English gen-
eral, the fond couple disembarked with all their effects, having two servants and
two chamber-women, and the ships took their course to England. The young La
Tour had a convenient house built for his father, in a fertile spot, with a pleasant
prospect, not far from his fort, and assumed the care of maintaining his family.
The Sieur Denys reports, in his Description of North America, that he saw them
there in 1635, and that they were in good circumstances.' — Charlevoix, Hist, de
la M Fr., v. i. pp. 408-10.

1 Rene de Menou, knight, King's esquire, and of the council of State, and
privy-councillor, was eldest son of Francis, who first took the title of lord of
Charnisay, and who was ancestor of that branch— being son of Rene, lord of
Boussay, an estate, that, for five hundred years, descended in the family from
father to son.

This nobleman enjoyed much of the confidence of Richelieu, and of Louis
XIII. By the death of his elder brothers he became lord of Charnisay, principal
heir of both his father and mother, and guardian of his younger brothers. On
the 27th of February, 1641, at a meeting of associates of the special Company
of New France, he is said to have strongly supported his son, Charles de Menou-
d'Aulnay, then in America ; and accepted his appointment, in his behalf, March
8th, 1642. After the death of this son, he became guardian of his children, then
minors ; and, until the majority of the eldest of them, was intrusted by the King
with the government of Acadie. On this occasion he addressed a communica-
tion, dated March 2d, 1651, to the governor and magistrates of Massachusetts.
He died, May 10th, 1651, at Paris. [Preuves, p. 162, &c] He had been ap-
pointed governor of the young Duke of Mayenne, was author of several military
works, and of a Treatise, often reprinted, ' On the means of suppressing duel-
ling, and banishing the vices which lead to it.'— [/rf. ibid.]

Notice of the Sieur UAnlnay, of Acadie. 167

cepted this cession, as well as that which was made to him
of a portion of the rights held by the chevalier De Razilly,
commodore of a squadron, from his late brother, comman-
der in chief. This act, received at Tours, February 19th,
1642, by the notary, David, states that the donation was
made on account of friendship and kindred. ' and in grati-
tude for the cares and labors which the said Charles de
Menou had taken and suffered for the establishment, pres-
ervation and defense of Acadie, both in company with the
deceased governor, l)c Razilly, and since his death.' A
short time after, D'Aulnay purchased all the rights in
Acadie, which the brothers De Razilly had possessed ; and
by subsequent arrangements he remained the only repre-
sentative of the special Company of New France in the
country ; a position of importance at that time, which might
have procured him a considerable fortune, had he been able
to devote himself exclusively to his own affairs, and the
material interests of the colony. Orders being sent him
from France, requiring him to withdraw the command of
fort Saint John from the Sienr De la Tour, declared a rebel
by the decrees of Council, 9th of March, 1642, and 6th of
March, 1644, (Archives of the kingdom,) D'Aulnay block-
aded that fortress. La Tour applied for assistance to the
Anglo-Americans of Boston. Four of their ships, equipped
for war, and another from Ilochelle, similarly fitted out,
and manned by one hundred and forty protestants, sailed to
attack D'Aulnay, who was obliged to retreat before a force
so superior. He was pursued to Port Royal, where he
defended himself bravely, and was enabled to drive them
off after a bloody struggle. (Hubbard, p. 482.) The
death of liichelieu, who had created the colony and pro-
tected it, and the decease of Louis XIII., which placed
France in the hands of a regency, reduced D'Aulnay to his
personal resources for executing the King's orders. His
expenditures had then arisen to 20,000 livres a month.
(Hazard, vol. i. p. 498.) Nevertheless, in avoiding all
acts of direct hostility, he knew how, by his firmness and
energy, to make himself respected by the Anglo-Americans ;
it is even recorded that he made himself dreaded by them.
(Hubbard, p. 487 ; Hutchinson, p. 133.) The conduct of
the governor was the subject of a public protest on the

468 Notice of the Sieur D'Aulnay, of Acadie.

part of many of the most distinguished inhabitants of the
country ; and among them of Sir Richard Saltonstall
(Hazard, vol. i. p. 502 ; Hubbard, p. 480 ; Hutchinson,
p. 130) ; and an act of the General Commissioners of the
Confederation interdicted the governors from permitting vol-
unteers to go out armed against any foreign people, without
express authority from the said general Commissioners.
(Hubbard, vol. ii. p. 21.)

A treaty, signed at Boston, October 8th, 1644, by one
whom D'Aulnay furnished with competent powers, put an
end to various negotiations, and neutralized the course
which La Tour continued to pursue in the country. (Hub-
bard, p. 487.) D'Aulnay besieged fort St. John, carried it
by assault in April, 1645, and appointed a new commander.
The garrison consisted of many English and other stran-
gers. Some were pardoned, and others suffered the penalty
of their rebellion. (Report of the Provost ; Archives of the
Marine.) An official letter of the queen, Anne of Austria,
to D'Aulnay (Sept. 27, 1645) eulogizes his valor and his
fidelity. (Archives of foreign affairs.) A letter of Louis
XIV. is conceived in terms still more flattering, and an-
nounces to him that, ' in order to testify how much the
courage and loyalty he had exhibited were appreciated by
the King, he would send him as soon as possible a vessel
fitted out completely,' &c. Signed, Louis, and beneath,
De Lomenie. (Ibid.) [In the margin, Brienne.]

The people of Massachusetts still kept up intelligence
with La Tour. D'Aulnay, in reprisal, seized their vessels,
and received their protests with a spirit which Hubbard
qualifies with the name of haughtiness. (P. 493, 494 ;
Hutchinson, p. 135.) His firmness met success : the Gen-
eral Commissioners then ratified the convention of 1644.
(Id. 493.) He was apprised by letter, that the lieutenant-
governor of Massachusetts [Dudley, in the margin], with
major Dennison [sic] would soon visit him, with others.
D'Aulnay preferred negotiating at Boston, and sent thither
a person fully empowered, together with M. Louis, his
secretary. A species of Report, extracted from the ar-
chives of Massachusetts, describes the manner in which
they were treated. Hubbard, who was present, says :
c Their dismissal was as honorable as their reception, and

Notice of the Sieur D'Aulnay, of Acadie. 469

accompanied with all the respect that New England could
manifest toward the lieutenant general of the King of
France in Acadie.' (P. 496.) The governor sent to IV A ul-
nar, as a present, a rich travelling sedan, which had been

made lor the viceroy of Mexico, hut was taken by an
Anglo-American privateer. ( Ibid. Hutchinson, p. 135.)

By letters-patent, dated February, lb'47, Louis XI V.
conferred on D'Aulnay the perpetual government of the

country he had so well defended. In these it is declared,
that it was in acknowledgment of his good and faithful
services, and in order that a work so far advanced should,
for the honor and dignity of the crown, he carried to per-
fection ; that D'Aulnay had constructed four forts, had
furnished them with sixty pieces of cannon, a sufficient
number of men at arms, and all other things necessary ; the
whole at his own cost, with a vast expenditure, for which
he had been obliged to contract loans ; the condition of
his own finances not having allowed the King to give
assistance as he had desired. The letters-patent gave him
power to do all that should be necessary for the conquest,
peopling and preservation of the country, and all the
King might do, were he there in person ; they granted
him the trade in furs, the lands, the mines of gold, silver,
copper and other metals, and all these things for himself,
his heirs, successors and assigns, on condition of doing
homage for them to the King, in person or by a deputy.
(Archives of the Marine.)

By papers which are preserved at the offices of the
marine and of foreign affairs, many of which are from the
hands of persons commissioned for the government of
Acadie, it appears that D'Aulnay had expended more than
800,000 livres for the advancement of the colony, and that
he had made great improvements there. Under his ad-
ministration it enjoyed a profound calm and a growing
prosperity, when he was taken away by death, on the 24th
of May, 1650. On the day after, they solemnly buried
him, in presence of all the officers, soldiers and inhabitants
of Port Royal, on the right side in the nave of the church
he had caused to be built, and where already one of his
children had been laid. (Letter from the chief missionary of
Acadie.) This ecclesiastic, during the eleven years of his

470 Notice of the Sieur UAulnay, of Acadie.

abode in Acadie, had never heard D'Aulnay speak to the
disadvantage of any individual. 1 He mentions D'Aul-
nay's uncommon charity and exemplary piety. (Same
letter, dated at Paris, August 6th, 1653, three years after
D'Aulnay' s death.) The Anglo-Americans have represent-
ed him as a brave officer, experienced in command, and
prudent, and as a true gentleman, of a generous character,
and valuing a good reputation more than pecuniary gain.
His own letters exhibit him to us as full of energy and of
love for France. (Hazard, vol. i. p. 498 ; Hubbard, 491,
493, 494. Letters found in the archives of Boston.)

After the death of D'Aulnay, La Tour made his appear-
ance again in Acadie. There Le Borgne was seen also,
Simon and Nicholas Denys, and others, furiously resolved
on despoiling the minor children of D'Aulnay of their
hereditary claims on Acadie, which Louis XIV. had de-
clared to belong to them. [Letters patent of 1651, 1652,
Archives of foreign affairs.) In 1654, fort St. John and
Port Royal were surrendered to five hundred Anglo-Amer-
icans, who, in the midst of the confusion, took possession
of Acadie ; and La Tour proceeded to England, to solicit
from Cromwell the confirmation of those concessions which
Sir W. Alexander had made him in 1630. (Hutchinson,
vol. i. pp. 61, 63. State paper office at London.) Finally,
the country reverted to England, and forms at present two
important colonies, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. At
Port Hoyal, now called Annapolis, may still be seen the
fort constructed by D'Aulnay.

Preuves de VHistoire de la Maison de Menou. 4to. Paris, 1852 ; pp. 165-9.

1 It is pleasant, indeed, to read a testimony so honorable as this. But the
truth of history requires, that the favorable representations of kindred, friends
and partizans be weighed in an impartial balance. It can, indeed, be argued,
that the religious prejudices and manners of the age, and the recent war with
the Huguenots, issuing in the siege and capture of Rochelle, form an apology
for the severities which have been noticed.

PETITION OF ROGER WILLIAMS TO THE

GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS.

This paper is printed from the original petition. There is no date to it, but in
it the period is stated to be subsequent to " the late grant obtained by Mr. Cod-
dington for Rhode Island." Mr. Coddington returned from England in 1651,
bringing with him this grant ; and as the agent of the two towns of Providence
and Warwick, Roger Williams, the same year, went to England. Gammell, in
his Life of Williams, p. 143, states, that he joined John Clarke in Boston,
" where they embarked together in November, 165]." This is probably the date
of the petition. R. P., Jr.

To y c honoured Generall Court of the Massachnset Colonie
now assembled at Boston.

The Humble Peticion of Roger Williams.

Although it be true y* it pleased this honoured Gov r ment,
now many Years since, to pass a sentence of Banishnr"
vpon me, w ch sentence and y e Consequences (bitter Aflic-
tions and miseries, Losses, Sorrowes and Hardships) I
haue humbly desired (through y e help of y e most High) to
endure with a quiet and patient mind ;

Yet, may it please you fauourably to remember, y 1 at my
Last Arrivall from my Xatiue Countrey, I presented this
honoured GovW with Letters from many of yo r noble &
hon ble Friends, then of y e parliam* of England, Lamenting
Differences & perswading Moderation, if not Reconcilem 1
& pacification.

Please you to remember y l euer since y c time of my Exile
1 have bene (through God's helpe) a professed & known
servant to this Colonie & all y e Colonies of y e English in
peace & war, so y l scarce a weeke hath passed but some

472 Petition of Roger Williams

way or other I haue bene used as instrumentall to y e peace
& spreading of the English plantings in this Countrey :

In the Pequt Troubles, receaving Letters from this Gov-
er\ I hazarded my life into extreme dangers, by labouring
to preuent y e Leauge between y e Pequts & y e Narigansets,
& to worck a Leauge between the English & y e Narigansetts,
w ch worck, as an Agent from this Colonic and all y e Eng-
lish in y e Land, I (through helpe from God) effected. The
fruit thereof (as o r much honoured Mr. Wintrop deceased
wrote to me) hath bene Peace to y e English euer since.

At present let me not offend you in saying y* I pass not
only as a private Passenger, but as a messenger & Agent
to y e high Court of y e Parliam* of England, in y e name of
my neighbours, y e English, occasione